Ronald Hovey

Tuesday, April 6, 2021 3:00 pm

Ronald Floyd Hovey, “Ron” age 89 of Ridgeway, passed away April 4, 2021 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Private family graveside services will be held at Orleans Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway with burial in the church cemetery.

Ron was born in Cresco, Jan. 3, 1932 to Melvin and Stella (Anderson) Hovey. He attended grade school at Orleans #5 and attended high school in Cresco. During his youth, Ron was part of the local Whizzer motorbike group. He enjoyed going on rides with friends, and when he got a car, he drove the neighborhood kids to school.

Ron was drafted into the US Navy in March of 1956. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA and served for two years on the USS Arneb 56. He continued his service for six additional years in the reserves. Ron enjoyed sharing stories about his time in the Navy and especially liked talking about visiting Antarctica.

Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home to farm the family farm. Ron met Karon Baker through their work with 4-H. They enjoyed dancing and going on trail rides together when they were dating. They were united in marriage on June 17, 1962. Together they had four children.

Ron’s lifelong passion was horses. He enjoyed trail rides, horse shows and had an interest in cutting horses. He was known for his knowledge of bloodlines and quality horses. Ron volunteered in his community by serving on the REC Board, the school board, Lutheran Credit Association, Winneshiek County Beef Producers, Orleans Church Council and was a member of the Howard and Winneshiek County Saddle Clubs. Ron never met a stranger and enjoyed visiting with friends over coffee at the sale barn and at many local establishments.

Ron is survived by his wife, Karon Hovey; his children Melissa Foley of Cresco, IA, Jeff Hovey of Norwalk, IA, Pam Perry of Mount Vernon, IA and Greg Hovey of Decorah, IA; seven grandchildren Morgan (Michael) Stevenson, Hunter Foley, Ryan Hovey, Justin Hovey, Marit Hovey, Zachary Perry and Anika Perry; and his sister Maizie Huckins of Redlands, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law Brenda Hovey.

The family of Ron would like to thank Howard County Hospice, especially his nurse Megan, for all their compassionate care through this last year.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Thunder Rode Therapeutic Riding in Decorah, IA, thunderrode.org or Howard County Hospice

Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.