Ronald Lee Ehlts

Ronald Lee Ehlts, 77, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He was born on February 20, 1949 in Monticello, Iowa, the son of Fred and Elizabeth (Smith) Ehlts. Ron was raised and educated in Monticello and graduated from Monticello High School.

On February 14, 1986, Ron was united in marriage to Kathryn Koch in Monticello. Ron worked at Champman Logging in Sand Springs for 25 years, then worked at Silver Edge Coop until his retirement.

Ron tapped 200 maple trees in his own timber to make maple syrup, and donated his proceeds from the sales to Operation Christmas Child shoe box gifts at the Stone Church, where he was a member for 20 years. Every morning at 4:30 a.m. for 30 years, he met his friend, Kevin Dempster, and the crew for coffee in Hopkinton at Triple C. Ron loved to hunt and ice fish. He enjoyed chainsaw carving and sold several pieces. He especially enjoyed taking his '74 Plymouth Duster to car shows and car cruises. Ron loved spending time with his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Kate (Koch) Ehlts of Manchester; his three children, Candi Ehlts, Annie (Brandon) Stuhr of Ottumwa, and Brody (Amber) Ehlts of Avon, New York; eight siblings, Sharon Davis of Monticello, Janice (Melvin) Dirks of Center Junction, Regina (Geo) Stimpson of Anamosa, Tom (Becky) Ehlts of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Karen (Denny) Tuel of Mount Pleasant, Betty (Dave Wendt) Ehlts of Bellevue, Rick (Jane) Ehlts of Donnellson, and Dennis (Pam) Ehlts of Salina, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Dale Ehlts, Robert Ehlts and Paul Ehlts; and brother-in-law, Dave Davis.