Ronald William "Ron" Nettenstrom

1936 - 2025

Ronald William Nettenstrom passed away in St. Louis, Missouri on January 27, 2025 surrounded by his Kauai ohana (nieces Lori Cardenas of Lawai and Laura Cristobal Andersland of Kalaheo) and his sister-in-law Richye Forbes-Herlihy of Pekin, Illinois.

Ron was born on December 30, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Fordson High School in Dearborn he started college but decided to join the United States Army instead. He became part of the peace-keeping forces in post-war Korea where he spent most of his enlistment at the border of North and South Korea. He excelled in marksmanship and was honorably discharged after two years.

Ron then started his career with Chrysler Corporation at the St. Louis, Missouri plant. As a specifications engineer, one of the projects he worked on was the Dodge Viper concept car, which went from auto show to dealer showroom in record time. As a side gig, Ron and his partner Robert Forbes formed Ronbert Interiors, where Ron was known for his creativity and skills as an Interior Designer. Upon his retirement from Chrysler, Ron became a tax professional for H&R Block in St. Louis where he earned his Enrolled Agent credential and Small Business Certification. He spent nearly 20 years preparing individual and business income tax returns.

Ron was predeceased by his parents John Edward Nettenstrom and Frances Elizabeth Crooks Nettenstrom of Dearborn, Michigan, his beloved sister Carol Rutherford (Patrick-deceased) Medeiros of Lihue, Kauai and his life partner of 52 years, Robert "Bob" Forbes of St. Louis.

He is survived by his nieces Lori (Elpidio "Tony") Cardenas of Lawai, Kauai and her family, Laura Cristobal (David) Andersland of Kalaheo, Kauai and her family and Teri Rutherford Cataluna of Lihue, Kauai and her family. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Richye Forbes-Herlihy of Pekin, Illinois and her family.

In keeping with Ron's wishes, there will be no funeral. His ohana celebrated his life privately on Kauai.