Ronald Katko

Ronald Katko
Eddyville. Ronald David Katko, 83, of Eddyville, died Thursday, October 30, 2025, while under hospice care at his home in Eddyville. He was born November 7, 1941, in Oskaloosa, the son of John and Gladys Goschke Katko. Ron grew up in Eddyville and in 1957, was the "King" of Eddyville. He graduated from Eddyville High School with the class of 1959. Following high school he worked for Witt Flooring for two years. On May 12, 1963, he was united in marriage to Janice Adams. Ron worked for many years at Morrells in Ottumwa until they shut down in 1972. He then went to work at Martin Marietta Ottumwa Sand Plant operating heavy equipment and the dragline. He retired from there in 2003 after 27 years of service. Ron was an avid antique hunter and collector he scavenged the countryside for 15 years after he retired buying and selling antiques. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He always looked forward to working in his barn with his grandchildren.
His family includes his wife of over 62 years Janice Katko of Eddyville; two children, Deanndrea and Rob Baird and Randall and Charlotte Katko; four grandchildren, Sydney (Riley), Madeline, Marissa, and Andrew; a brother, Alan (Fran) Katko; a sister, Karen (Darrell) Gideon; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Emma Katko and Fred and Maude Goschke; his parents; a brother and his wife, Marvin and Peggy Katko and a nephew, Travis Katko.
A private service will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and staff at Care Initiatives Hospice of Albia for their compassionate care and support to the family during a very difficult time.
Memorials may be made to Care Initiatives Hospice of Albia.