Search by Name

Search by Name

Ronald DeGarmo Obituary

Ronald F. DeGarmo, 81, died Feb. 20, 2009, at his home in Wasilla of natural causes.
A memorial service was Thursday at Christ First United Methodist Church at the corner of Knik Road and Fairview Loop in Wasilla.
Ron was born Sept. 28, 1927, in Macksville, Kan. He was the 14th of 15 children born to Clyde and Clara DeGarmo.
Ron enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1945, right out of high school and was stationed at Point Higgins Radio Station in Ketchikan. In 1949, he went to work for the CAA (now FAA). After training in Oklahoma City, he returned to Alaska to work as an air traffic controller in Anchorage. In 1951, he transferred to Goodland, Kan., where he met and married Helen Darnell in 1953. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Sept. 13, 2008. Ron continued his career with the FAA, working in Muskegon, Mich., Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Atlantic City, N.J., Longmont, Colo., and back to Anchorage from 1977-1982 as the assistant manager of Anchorage Center. He transferred to the Seattle Regional Office where he retired in December 1982. In 1986 he returned to Anchorage Center to manage the contract training program for SRSA for two years and again in 1991 to manage a Russian Controller English program for SRSA.
Ron and Helen lived in Bellingham, Wash., for 13 years before moving back to Alaska in the spring of 2003 to their home in Wasilla.
"Ron was an extremely diverse person," his family recalled. "He loved to travel, fish, garden, anything to do with airplanes, and he could make anything out of wood. He was a well-known fixture at the Valley craft bazaars. He loved spending time with his family. His passion for Alaska seemed to grow with his age. A favorite summer excursion came to be the family trip to Chitina for dip netting, where even at 80 he outdipped us all. Just last summer, he finally caught that elusive king salmon, a 45-pounder, with a rod and reel! Many a winter night was spent out at the family farm, where Ron was the "burger grinder" for the road kill moose gang he was a part of. Ron was a Christian and a role model for his family his whole life. He was known lovingly as 'Grandpa Ron' to many people. His Christian example of love and generosity was felt by all who met and knew him. We can rest assured he is at home with our Lord in heaven."
Ronald F. DeGarmo is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Kevin of Minnesota; daughters, Janice (Ken) Gittlein of Wasilla and Jennifer (Dan) Schaffer of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Nicholas (Katie), Matt (Rita), Brian (Rachel), Ben and Sam Gittlein, Leah and Ronnie DeGarmo, Elise, Brad and Nicole Schaffer; great-granddaughters, Devin Gittlein and Kaydence Sommerville; brothers, Harry DeGarmo and Archie DeGarmo; and sister, Louise Kagarice.
He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers; and three sisters.
Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald DeGarmo

Sponsored by anonymous.

Not sure what to say?





jen

March 24, 2010

can't believe a year has gone by....

jen schaffer

July 4, 2009

thinking about Dad a lot today.....making his famous smoked salmon and wishing he were here to sit by the smoker with his dutch master cigar and watch it for me!

Frank+Diane Schaffer

March 9, 2009

Ron was a very personable man. One does not usually find "in-laws" that get along so well. Frank and I were blessed to know Ron, and to have spent time with him. Our love and prayers go out to the family.

March 9, 2009

I am sorry to hear of your loss and send my sincere condolences. May God bless and comfort you in your time of sadness.

George Kaczmarczyk (Anniston, AL)

J. schaffer

March 8, 2009

not sure how long Dads obituary will be on the newspaper website so here is a copy that can stay here

Ronald F. DeGarmo
Ronald F. DeGarmo, 81, died Feb. 20, 2009, at his home in Wasilla of natural causes.
A memorial service was Thursday at Christ First United Methodist Church at the corner of Knik Road and Fairview Loop in Wasilla.
Ron was born Sept. 28, 1927, in Macksville, Kan. He was the 14th of 15 children born to Clyde and Clara DeGarmo.
Ron enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1945, right out of high school and was stationed at Point Higgins Radio Station in Ketchikan. In 1949, he went to work for the CAA (now FAA). After training in Oklahoma City, he returned to Alaska to work as an air traffic controller in Anchorage. In 1951, he transferred to Goodland, Kan., where he met and married Helen Darnell in 1953. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Sept. 13, 2008. Ron continued his career with the FAA, working in Muskegon, Mich., Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Atlantic City, N.J., Longmont, Colo., and back to Anchorage from 1977-1982 as the assistant manager of Anchorage Center. He transferred to the Seattle Regional Office where he retired in December 1982. In 1986 he returned to Anchorage Center to manage the contract training program for SRSA for two years and again in 1991 to manage a Russian Controller English program for SRSA.
Ron and Helen lived in Bellingham, Wash., for 13 years before moving back to Alaska in the spring of 2003 to their home in Wasilla.
"Ron was an extremely diverse person," his family recalled. "He loved to travel, fish, garden, anything to do with airplanes, and he could make anything out of wood. He was a well-known fixture at the Valley craft bazaars. He loved spending time with his family. His passion for Alaska seemed to grow with his age. A favorite summer excursion came to be the family trip to Chitina for dip netting, where even at 80 he outdipped us all. Just last summer, he finally caught that elusive king salmon, a 45-pounder, with a rod and reel! Many a winter night was spent out at the family farm, where Ron was the "burger grinder" for the road kill moose gang he was a part of. Ron was a Christian and a role model for his family his whole life. He was known lovingly as 'Grandpa Ron' to many people. His Christian example of love and generosity was felt by all who met and knew him. We can rest assured he is at home with our Lord in heaven."
Ronald F. DeGarmo is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Kevin of Minnesota; daughters, Janice (Ken) Gittlein of Wasilla and Jennifer (Dan) Schaffer of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Nicholas (Katie), Matt (Rita), Brian (Rachel), Ben and Sam Gittlein, Leah and Ronnie DeGarmo, Elise, Brad and Nicole Schaffer; great-granddaughters, Devin Gittlein and Kaydence Sommerville; brothers, Harry DeGarmo and Archie DeGarmo; and sister, Louise Kagarice.
He was preceded in death by his parents; eight brothers; and three sisters.
Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla

Grandpa loved spending time with his grandkids! he out-bowled 3 of them last month!

March 8, 2009

Dad and Mom - on the train in Wasilla last summer

March 8, 2009

Dad

March 8, 2009

Grandpa Ron and his fish

March 8, 2009

jennifer ( DeGarmo) Schaffer

March 8, 2009

Our Dad was such a gift- we were blessed to have him so healthy and active with us all these years. Most people who met him would never had guessed he was 81! His spirit is alive and well all around us in his gifts he left behind, as well as the wonderful memories. Thank you to the many friends and family who have let us know what Dad meant in their lives...he certainly touched many , many people over the years.

Kevin DeGarmo

March 7, 2009

I Loved my Dad. I would not swap places with anyone on this earth. He was one of the good guys.

LeEllen and Ed Baker

March 4, 2009

We are in Kauai and just found out today about Ron's passing. You have our deepest sympathy and our prayers. He was a wonderful man, father and grandfather. I will treasure the craft items I have that he made.

Bob, Mary Dockter

March 2, 2009

We are sorry for our loss. Our thoughts are with you all.

Delos Stapf

February 28, 2009

My deepest sympathy to all, as we share your loss. This was a Dad that many would like to have for their own. Now, he's a wonderful addition to Lord's family.

Gordy Henrikson

February 27, 2009

Dads are a precious commodity - sounds like yours was quite a man! Cherish the memories, they only get better with time. The sense of loss fades and the smiles return. Best wishes.

Jim Cooper

February 27, 2009

Deepest Sympathy

Tom & Joyce LaFond

February 25, 2009

We are so sorry for your huge loss. Wish we could be there--you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Amy and Bob Paxton

February 24, 2009

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Ronald DeGarmo's name

Memorial Events
for Ronald DeGarmo

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ronald DeGarmo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more