Obituary of Ronald H. Frederick

Ronald Henry Frederick passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He was 74 years old.

Ronald was born on October 8, 1951, in Davenport, Iowa. Ronald was the son of James and Phyllis Frederick (née Frick). He attended schools in Davenport and West Burlington, graduating from West Burlington Arnold High School in 1970 before enrolling at the University of Iowa. Athletic from an early age, he was a member of the Davenport Turners Men’s Club, played football throughout high school, and played for the Iowa Hawkeyes. After his time at the University of Iowa, he enlisted in the Army and served his country with honor. Ronald was deeply proud of his service and took great pride in being a veteran.

Throughout his life, Ron enjoyed a long and varied career, working as a drywall contractor, professional painter, and commercial truck driver. He was a member of the Painters’ Union and worked as an independent contractor on commercial and residential projects. Later in life, he obtained a CDL and became a truck driver. Ron was fiercely independent and had a strong work ethic.

Ron resided in West Burlington, Iowa, and his most recent position was as a CDL driver for Happy R Securities, LLC, in Gladstone, Illinois. At the heart of Ron’s life was his family; he cherished time with loved ones. Cooking brought him great joy, and at family events, he could often be found over the stove preparing one of his specialties. Ron was well known for his sense of humor and always liked making others smile with his unique perspective. He had a distinct love for animals, especially his dogs, which were a huge part of his life. Ron had a passion for the outdoors, often hunting with his brothers and taking every opportunity to fish whenever he was near water.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents. Three brothers and two sisters survive him. Brothers Dennis (Suzie) Frederick of Denver, CO; Wallace (Sherrie) Day of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Jay (Jill) Day of West Burlington, IA. Sisters Jinger (Jim) Levites of The Villages, FL, and Penney (Dan) Thurtell of Long Beach, MS. Ron is also survived by two children and six grandchildren. His son, Brian (Stephanie) Stinehart of Mullins, SC, is the father of two grandchildren: Olivia and Stephen. His daughter, Jessica Naquin of Kansas City, MO, is the mother of four grandchildren: Audry, Joseph, Madilyn, and Noah. Many nieces, nephews, and countless cousins survive Ron as well and will miss him dearly.

Ronald has been cremated and will be laid to rest with full military honors at the National Cemetery on the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL. His funeral service will be graveside on Friday, May 8th, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend to celebrate his life and legacy.