Ronald Wayne Timmerman

About Ron

Ronald Wayne Timmerman, age 92, passed away on October 16th, 2026, a few days short of celebrating his 93rd birthday and sharing his 73rd wedding anniversary with his wife Kathryn. He was surrounded by his wife and children holding his hand for the last few days.

He was born October 21, 1933, in Moline, Illinois, to Cyril Timmerman and Juliana Jenny (DeBacker) Timmerman. He is survived by his wife Kathryn and his sister Nancy Wiborg. Children Michael Timmerman (Susan), Martin Timmerman (Terri), John Timmerman, Jean Flores (Tony), Mary Larmay (Russell). Grandchildren David Timmerman (Sonya), Rebecca Menges (Andrew), Sara Rich (Dustin), Marisa Muhs (Andrew), Anna Sanberg (RJ), Katie Garcia (Jonathan), Jilayna Beran (Randy), John Timmerman (Amanda), Anthony “TJ” Flores (Caitlin), Joseph Flores and Logan Timmerman-Larmay. Greatgrandchildren Deacon, Johanna, Zachary, Beau, Harlow, Blake, Adeline, Amelia, Isaac, Nolan, Perrin, Scarlette, Chase, Ada, Isabelle, Leighton, Afton, Evelyn, Iris and one more due next year.

Ron grew up in Moline, Illinois. While attending college, he apprenticed as a machinist at the Rock Island Arsenal, when he met Kathryn Smith. They married on Halloween in 1953. Just two weeks later, Ron deployed with the U.S. Army to Germany, where he served as a supply clerk, attained the rank of sergeant, and played basketball for his regimental team.

After his service, Ron and Kathryn began raising their family in Moline. In 1960, he moved to Minnesota to work for Honeywell, bringing their two sons, Mike and Marty. Their family later grew to include John, Jean, and Mary. Ron was a devoted father who was known for never passing a Dairy Queen while driving on a field trip.

A move to Bloomington, Minnesota, a new career at Andrew Engineering, and an MBA from the University of Minnesota filled much of the 1960s and ’70s. His advice from business school was simple: “Don’t spend it all.” In the late 1970s, a career move to Wilson Tool took Ron and his family to Joliet, Illinois, and then to Cupertino, California. He enjoyed fishing and playing tennis at a competitive level. His fishing wisdom: “Never bring an eight-foot shark into a 16-foot boat.”

Ron’s final career move took him to Fullerton, California, where he joined U.S. Amada and ran its North American factories. After retiring, he and Kay settled in Peoria, Arizona, where they enjoyed tennis, golf, bridge, and the many clubs in their retirement community. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, Ron delighted them with card tricks, puzzles, and this advice: “Never put peas or beans in your ears or up your nose.”

When their competitive days were over, he and Kay moved to Modesto, California, where Ron was known as the "Music Man" and later to Minnesota. In Minnesota, he became the “Butterfly Guy”—sharing his playful spirit wherever he went.

Ron had many athletic and professional accomplishments, but none meant more to him than caring for and loving Kay through nearly 73 years of marriage, especially during her Parkinson's journey. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Memorials may be directed to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org) or the Down Syndrome Achievement Centers GiGisPlayhouse (gigisplayhouse.org).

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services