Ronald E. Schmillen

Ronald Eugene Schmillen was born on March 31, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Arley F. Schmillen and Ethel A. (Peck) Schmillen.  He spent most of his childhood on the farm with his family and graduated from  Marcus High School in 1955.

Ronald married Darlene K. Pitts at Maryhill Church on November 10, 1956.  The couple resided  at their home on the farm for most of their lives together.  Ron’s last 4 years were spent at the Heartland Care Center following an accident.  They raised five children, Rebecca, Kevin, Bobbi, Roxanne and Kyle. 

Ron spent most of his working years as a full-time farmer.  He had milk cows, cattle, pigs, chickens, rabbits and his favorite, sheep.  He also worked at Carl’s Welding with his brother-in-law, Carl.   Ron also worked at the Marcus Golf Club, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and drove Marcus school bus until he was 80.  His favorite job was being a husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa!

Ron kept busy with several committees and boards.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Cherokee County Fair Board, Marcus Fair Board, 4-H Board and Cherokee Archives Board.  He enjoyed researching genealogy, puzzles, reading, attending school functions, watching the Chicago Cubs and tending to his sheep. 

Most of Ron’s life was centered around family and what they were involved in.  Whatever he did – Chores, Sports, 4-H, he always said “If you are going to do something, then do it right or don’t do it at all.”

Ron and Darlene had a lot of fun with life.  They danced, played cards, took camping trips with kids, went to 4 ballgames a day sometimes, fished, showed sheep, made oatmeal sausage, and his famous Dutch Mess.  But mostly, they enjoyed everyone around them.

At 70 years old, he was Blessed with finding his Mother, Alma.  With this reunion, he was also blessed with 2 brothers and a sister who he loved dearly.  This family brings great joy to all of us.

Ron passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he loved on April 11, 2023 at Heartland Care Center in Marcus, IA.  He is preceded by his parents, Alma (Jenness) Hendricksen, Arley and Ethel (Peck) Schmillen; his in-laws, William and Esther Pitts; sister, Arlene (Schmillen) Stevenson; grandson, Thomas Patterson; brother and sister in laws, Sonny and Lois Kenney, Emmett and Margaret Holton, and Carl and Audrey Pitts; nephews Roger Pitts & Joe Kenney; nieces, Gwen Ronnfeldt & Ellen Holton; and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ron is survived by his wife, Darlene; five children, Rebecca (Mark) Patterson, Kevin (Twyla Heschke) Schmillen, Bobbi (Doug) Rasmus, Roxanne (Fran) Galles, and Kyle (Jillian Schwickerath) Schmillen; 14 grandchildren, Amy (Paul Lemon) Patterson, Nate (Molly) Patterson, ReNae (Zach) Smith, Dustin (Holly) Schmillen, Tara (Aaron) Junker, Jackie (Derek) Kuchenreuther, Jason (Courtney) Rasmus, Jordan (Melody) Rasmus, Ryan Galles, Austin (Michelle) Galles, Mary Jo Galles, Sam Schmillen, Brittney Schmillen, and Archer Schmillen; 25 great-grandchildren; one sister, Karen (Lyle) Anderson; two brothers, Merlyn (Maureen) Hendricksen and Merle (Marlene) Hendricksen and many other special family members.

A special thank you to the Heartland Care Center for loving Dad!  His four years with you were special.  Thank you to the Cherokee Hospice team for giving us peace as he left.