Ronald Iole

Ronald Joseph Iole passed away in his home Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Marshalltown, IA. Visitation will be Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 9:30 AM with a service at 10:30 AM at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown and a luncheon to follow.

Ron Iole was born in New Kensington, PA and grew up in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. He attended St. Ita's Grammar school (1972) and later graduated from Senn High School in 1976.

Ron was a lifelong music-lover. As a teen, he would save up to purchase records by unique and alternative artists to broaden his musical horizons. His love of music led him to open a nightclub, Circuits, with his sister Nadine in 1987 on the northwest side of Chicago. It was the neighborhood's only punk/new wave bar and rightfully lived up to its slogan, "where music matters." In 1988, Ron met his future wife Cynthia (Cindy) Keeler and the two of them later became co-owners of Circuits. In 1995, they sold the club, moved to Marshalltown, IA, and were married on November 4th of that same year.

Ron was renowned for his tireless work ethic. He served as head custodian at Anson Elementary and worked for Marshalltown Community School District for over 25 years. He took pride in maintaining the school and was greatly appreciated by staff and students alike. He wore many hats and always had a side hustle, including owning his used car shop, Third Avenue Auto, and being Marshalltown's speediest Door-Dasher.

Ron's love language was acts of service. He was always willing to help anyone in any situation. He could frequently be found fixing someone's car, and if you parked your car in his driveway, he would check your oil level before you could drive away. Ron took a keen interest in world issues, politics, the stock market, sports, and many other top stories. He kept up with current events and was willing to strike up a conversation with people from all walks of life.

Ron loved and took great pride in his family. He was always there to drive his children to dance and tae-kwon-do practices. He enjoyed every band and choir concert, cheered for the Hawkeye Marching Band at Kinnick Stadium, and proudly attended every graduation ceremony. Ron’s primary focus was always supporting his family.

Ron was a lifelong fan of all sports competitions, particularly football and baseball. The Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Chicago Bears were his top priorities even when they were losing. He was passionate about statistics and would debrief every game with his friends and family over the phone. He became a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes after both his children attended the University of Iowa. He passionately supported Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Women’s Basketball team, and continued to follow her success in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever.

Ron is survived by his loving wife as well as his mother Philomena Iole, siblings Michele (Dino) Tiritilli and David Iole, and children Analisa (Jane Folliard) Iole and Frank (Lizzie Leu) Iole. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Iole Sr.; brothers, Frank Iole Jr. and Michael Iole; and sisters Lori Iole and Nadine Tangy.

-lovingly written by the family