Ronald Olinger
October 8, 1955 — January 4, 2022
Ronald “Ron” Olinger, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Jan. 4, 2022, at the age of 66. His two-year battle with ALS showed his courage and faith in living life to its fullest. Despite the pain, Ron came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. The smile for which he was well known, never dimmed.
Growing up, Ron helped on the family farm, and worked alongside his father in the carpentry and home building trades. He went on to start Olinger Construction and Design which he operated for 20 years. In later years, he worked as the construction director for Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity until his retirement in 2018. Ron was a member of Antioch Christian Church in Marion.
Ron met the love of his life, Nancy, in1995, and they were married in 1998. Between them, children include Jennifer, Matthew, Krysta, Kelsey, honorary daughter Tierra, and puggle companion Izzy. Grandchildren include Miranda, Phoenix, Audrey, Trevor, Blake, Patrick, Wyatt, Kennady and Kingston.
Ron was a sports enthusiast, whether it was coaching his children’s youth leagues or cheering on the Hawkeyes, Cubs and Bears. He and his wife enjoyed travel and camping, especially to Colorado. Their final vacation was a trip of a lifetime to Yellowstone National Park this past July.
A heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hiawatha Care Center and Dr. Mary Anne Nelson for their compassionate care in his final three months.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Memorials in Ron’s memory may be directed to the family.
Growing up, Ron helped on the family farm, and worked alongside his father in the carpentry and home building trades. He went on to start Olinger Construction and Design which he operated for 20 years. In later years, he worked as the construction director for Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity until his retirement in 2018. Ron was a member of Antioch Christian Church in Marion.
Ron met the love of his life, Nancy, in1995, and they were married in 1998. Between them, children include Jennifer, Matthew, Krysta, Kelsey, honorary daughter Tierra, and puggle companion Izzy. Grandchildren include Miranda, Phoenix, Audrey, Trevor, Blake, Patrick, Wyatt, Kennady and Kingston.
Ron was a sports enthusiast, whether it was coaching his children’s youth leagues or cheering on the Hawkeyes, Cubs and Bears. He and his wife enjoyed travel and camping, especially to Colorado. Their final vacation was a trip of a lifetime to Yellowstone National Park this past July.
A heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hiawatha Care Center and Dr. Mary Anne Nelson for their compassionate care in his final three months.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Memorials in Ron’s memory may be directed to the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Olinger, please visit our flower store.