Ronald Theadore Funkhauser

Ronald "Doc" Funkhauser, born January 3, 1936, passed away peacefully at home on August 11, 2025 at the age of 89, following a long illness. His passing was sudden but serene-just as we would have hoped. While we deeply mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain or struggle.

Ron was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and spent most of his life in the state. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Shaw Air Force in Sumter, South Carolina. Following his service, Ron used his military benefits to attend Creighton University, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

He went on to establish dental practices in several rural Iowa communities, including Carson and Treynor. His longstanding practice in Treynor served generations of families until he closed it in the 1990s. He later worked as a part-time dentist in Des Moines before fully retiring in the early 2000s.

In his later years, Ron became a college sports fan. He followed the Iowa Hawkeyes-where all his daughters and stepson attended-as well as Creighton Bluejays basketball. He also enjoyed watching the College World Series and keeping up with the action in Omaha. Though he occasionally rooted for the rivals in red across the Missouri River (to the playful dismay of his daughters), it was clear his heart was loyal to the black and gold.

Ron is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Linda; his sister, Cindy Lofton; and his daughters Ronee (Ben) Greazel, Carrie (Scott) Funkhauser, and Ashley (Corey) Funkhauser. He is also survived by his stepchildren, John (Michelle) Blanchard and Susan (Don) Larsen, as well as nieces, nephews, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A small memorial will be held at a later date.