Ronald 'Ron' L. Parker

Ronald 'Ron' L. Parker

1950 – 2026

HOLSTEIN - Ronald "Ron" L. Parker, 75, of Holstein, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska, following a 16.5 year battle with prostate cancer. A visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church of Holstein with the Rev. Dr. Mark Mattes officiating. Burial is at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Ron while sharing a meal at the American Legion Hall in Holstein. The Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein is in charge of the arrangements.

Born Dec. 6, 1950, Ron was raised in Holstein, where he developed the deep roots in family, faith, farming, and community that would define his life. A 1969 graduate of Holstein High School, Ron earned his BBA degree from the University of Iowa in 1973 and even as an avid Hawkeye fan, attended coursework at Iowa State University in the winter of 1974.

In 1972, a chance introduction at the Ida County Fair introduced Ron to the love of his life, Debra (Rabe), and the two were married on Dec. 28, 1974. In 2024, they joined their children and grandchildren in Hilton Head Island, and with notes and videos from many family and friends, they celebrated a treasured milestone - 50 years of marriage. Ron frequently described Deb as “the best thing that ever happened to him” and “his rock.”

After a year driving a semi cross-country for Allied Van Lines post-college, Ron returned to Holstein in 1975 to join his father, Harold, in the family farming business. The two farmed together until Harold's passing in 1988. Ron continued his commitment to the family farming legacy until his retirement in 2015.

Farming was more than a livelihood for Ron; it was a way of life and a foundation for the values he passed along to his family. All three of his sons grew up working on the farm, learning firsthand the importance of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance before leaving for college and pursuing careers of their own. Though their paths eventually led beyond the farm, each carried with him an appreciation for agriculture and the work ethic instilled during those formative years.

Ron was deeply invested in his community, serving in numerous leadership roles with the Jaycees, Farm Bureau, and the Ida County Republican Central Committee.

His Christian faith was apparent in his life. A devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran and later Faith Lutheran churches, Ron was a faithful attendee, served in numerous leadership capacities, and enjoyed singing in worship. He spoke openly and confidently about his faith as a way to bring others to Jesus.

Those who knew Ron knew that a conversation with him was rarely a short one. He was curious, opinionated, trusting of others, and always ready to discuss the markets, the news, farming, or just about anything else. He had a knack for asking questions and engaging others in conversation, often working toward “solving the world's problems” one discussion at a time. Whether engaged in conversations with others, studying commodity prices, watching Market to Market, driving the countryside to check crops, or listening to the Iowa Hawkeyes, Ron stayed engaged with the world around him.

Above all, Ron was proud of his family. He treasured Deb, his three sons, and the families they built. His love for them, his commitment to his faith, and his pride in the family farm were constants throughout his life.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Debra; his three sons, Bryce (Natalie) Parker and their children, Xristianos and Elektra; Aaron (Bethany) Parker and their sons, Campbell and Theodore; and Adam (Alissa) Parker and their children, Leland and Eleanor. He is also survived by his siblings, Rich (Barb) Parker, Wes (Sue) Parker, and Deb Parker; his brothers-in-law, George Barnes and Corey (Emma Sue) Rabe; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Delores Parker; and his sister, Sheryl (Parker) Barnes.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Holstein Betterment Alliance, Mission Central in Mapleton, or the J. Hayden Fry Center for Bladder and Prostate Cancer Research at the University of Iowa.

Online condolences can be made at nicklasdjensenfh.com