Ronald Fransen

Ronald Virgil Fransen, 90, of Keosauqua, Iowa died on Monday, June 10, 2024 at the Keosauqua Health Care Center. Ronald was born March 17, 1934 in Sanborn, IA to Henry and Elsie (Storm) Fransen. Ronald graduated from Hartley, IA High School in 1952. Ronald graduated from Iowa State University in 1956 and also earned his Master’s Degree from Iowa State University later on. Ronald served in the United States Army Air Corp from 1956 to 1959.

As a young Ag teacher in Stuart, IA, Ronald had the opportunity to participate in the forming of the IPERS program in Iowa. In 1962, Ronald met President John F. Kennedy and was one of the first teachers to take students to Europe and behind the Iron Curtain with the People to People Program.

While teaching in Scranton, IA, Ronald met and married Barbara Van Valkenburg in Carroll, IA on December 24, 1964. Ronald and Barbara had two children, Rebecca and David Fransen.

While teaching in Spencer, IA, Ronald was in charge of the FFA part of the Clay County Fair. Barbara helped run the FFA office at the fair. We all spent our time at the Clay County Fair during those 10 days. Ronald was past president of the Iowa Ag Teachers Association.

Ronald, Barbara and their children went on many vacations and attended many Ag Teachers Conferences, including Detroit, MI, Atlantic City, NJ, Disneyland area in CA, and New Orleans, LA. We were lucky to travel and see so many places. Ronald and Barbara later divorced on October 13, 1983.

While teaching at Fox Valley Schools, Ronald met Carol Munford at a Singles Dance. Carol was Ronald’s longtime companion and fiancé until she passed away. Ronald retired from the Van Buren School District in 1999. Ronald served on the ISU County Extension and the Southeastern Iowa Agency on Aging Boards. He coached winning 4-H Quiz Bowl teams in Keosauqua, IA. Ronald was involved with the Southeastern Iowa Democrats. Ronald was given the Volunteer of the Year Award from Governor Terry Branstad in 2011. Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family, sports, traveling and dancing with Carol.

Ronald is survived by his daughter Rebecca (Rick) Drummer of Marshalltown, IA and son David Fransen of Arlington TN, granddaughter Amanda Drummer of Garwin, IA, grandson Matthew Drummer of Marshalltown, IA, great-granddaughter Lyla Maxwell of Garwin, IA, ex-spouse Barbara Fransen of Marshalltown, IA, nephews: Tim (Natalie Rawlings) Fransen, Tom (Carrie) Fransen, Lonnie Fransen, Donnie Fransen and Irvin (Vicki) Fransen Jr., four great-nieces, five great-nephews and their families.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsie Fransen, brothers: Raymond Fransen, Delbert Fransen and Irvin Fransen Sr., sister-in-law Elona Fransen, niece Trena Sunday, great nephew Zachary Fransen and long-time companion and fiancé Carol Munford.

Services for Ronald will take place on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 A.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. A visitation will be one hour prior, beginning at 10:00 A.M. Full military honors will be provided by the combined VFW / American Legion of the surrounding area. Ronald will be laid to rest at Clinton Garfield Cemetery in Rolfe, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. For online condolences or questions, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

-lovingly written by the family