Obituary of Elmer Ronald Hebl

Elmer “Ron” Hebl, age 77 of West Branch died Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. A time for family and friends to gather in Ron’s memory will be held from 4 to 7pm Sunday, September 12, 2021, outside under the large tent at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Iowa State Fair or D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans). To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Elmer Ronald Hebl was born May 24, 1944, on the family farm west of Iowa City, the son of Elmer William and Mary Catherine (Kasper) Hebl. Following graduation from Regina High School in 1962, he enrolled and later graduated from the University of Iowa. While in college he was active in the ROTC, and after graduation he spent 2 years in the Army and then became an Information Specialist for Army Recruiter living in various cities in the United States, the last being in Kansas City, MO. On April 20,1974, he married Sharon Hora Hebl. He and his family moved back to Iowa in 1979. He worked as a blacksmith for the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site where his craftsmanship was gifted to dignitaries from all over the world. He was a scoring director for NCS-Pearson until his retirement. During his working years and in his retirement, he enjoyed working on the farm. On their farm he enjoyed raising big horses, especially Belgians, loving to train them to bow, give hugs, and do tricks; Ron liked refinishing old family furniture, he was an avid reader and never stopped learning. He was more than willing to share this knowledge, his horses, and their incredible Christmas villages of more than 250 buildings with anyone and everyone. Ron enjoyed the Iowa State Fair and cherished the many friendships that came from there. He was a proud Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, so very proud to be an American. But most of all in his world was his family and good friends! His family includes his wife, Sharon “Shari”; their children, Adam Hebl, Alex “AJ” Hebl, and Matthew Hebl (Janene); granddaughters, Isabella and Ava; siblings, Ann Draker, Doris Swartzendruber (Robert), Larry Hebl (Wendy), George Hebl (Janette), Michael Hebl (Barb) and Mary Rita Hebl. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bill and wife MaryAnne, Maynard and wife Betty, Bernard “Bert“Hebl and brother-in-law, Don Draker.