Ronald R. Ream

Ronald Ray Ream (Ron or Ronnie), age 80, of Green Lake, WI, formerly of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024 at SSM St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, WI while surrounded by his family. Ron was born on March 2, 1944 in Cedar Rapids, IA and is the son of Lester and Paula (Bedke) Ream. He graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, IA, Class of 1962. He was united in marriage to Jan Kohon on September 20, 1996 in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Ron loved to work!   He began his love of working as a paper boy for the Cedar Rapids Gazette.  He was the youngest to do this at the age of 8 years old.   When Ron wasn’t doing his paper route, he was working with his father, Lester, in Ream Auto Body Shop.  He later became owner of Ream Auto Body shop and also created and opened Ellis Marine Upholstery in Cedar Rapids for many years.   His tremendous quality of work coupled with wonderful relationships he created with his customers helped his businesses become great successes.  It was commonplace for a customer to be given a red rose when Ream Auto Body would make their car like new again.   Ron often mentioned how lucky he was to have the amazing men working with him at Ream Auto Body and how influential they were in making him the man he was.   When Ron retired, he and Jan moved to Green Lake, Wi. where his passion for working continued.  Word spread quickly of his unique talents.  His upholstery business fixing boats and jet skis quickly took off.  Ron took great pride in the expertise of his craft and continued working until the day of his passing.   When Ron wasn’t working, he loved spending time with his “sweetheart” Jan (this is what he lovingly called her daily), his girls, and many other family and friends.   His loving buddy Ryder (dachshund) was always by his side whether on his recliner or outside in his boat.  Ron enjoyed being on the water, going to classic car shows, and dreaming of his next project. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Jan; 3 daughters: Janette (Jim) Eichstadt of Fairfax, IA, Jody (Michelle) Ream of Bonney Lake, WA, and Robin (Dennis) Hynek of Chattanooga, TN; 4 grandchildren: Gage Michel Farmer, David Hynek, Kristin (Zach) Tharp, and David Eichstadt; 2 great grandchildren: Asher and Levi Tharp; a brother, Dennis (Mary) Ream of Cedar Rapids, IA; 5 sisters: Diana (Wayne) Patrick of Toddville, IA, Joann (Dave) Sears of Scottsdale, AZ, Debbie (Steve) Kimm of Buckeye, AZ, Beverly (Larry) Anderson of Englewood, FL, and Mary Ann Heuton of Loveland, CO; niece, Jen (Phil) Gravedoni, nephew, Brian (Wendy) Gardner; great niece and nephew, Madeline and Everett Gravedoni; dachshund, Ryder; other relatives and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters: Paula Ream and Judi Ream; and his beloved dachshund, George.

Per the wishes of Ron, cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will be held in Cedar Rapids, IA at a later date. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon, WI is serving the Ream family during this difficult time.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Divinepassagefunerals.com

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