Ronald Harvey Kienast, 72, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 11:48p.m. at his home.
Ron was born July 6, 1953, the son of Harvey Fritz and Zelda “Sam” Caroline Ehlers Kienast in Dennison, Iowa. He had been married to Donna Stewart, Susan Hummer, Margie Neff, and JoAngela Kiley.
Ron was raised in Burlington, Iowa and enlisted in the U.S. Army during his senior year of High School. He completed his schooling while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Following his honorable discharge in 1974, he returned to the Burlington area. Shortly after, he began his 38 year career with Burlington Northern Railroad as a pipefitter.
Mr. Kienast was a jack of all trades; fixing and tinkering with anything he could get his hands on. He used these skills to help family and friends with many projects. He was a member of the LaHarpe American Legion and was a past Cub Scout Leader.
Survivors include one son: Ryan H. (Christy) Kienast of LaHarpe; one daughter: Ashley Derby of Burlington, Iowa; four grandchildren: Haylee (Jacob) Slusher of LaHarpe, Hunter (Alison) Kienast of Loves Park, Illinois, Bryson Derby and Rylan Trail both of Burlington; one great-granddaughter on the way.
He is also survived by sisters: Vicki (Greg) Lee and Linda (Gary) Virgin and one sister-in-law: Kimberly Kienast, all of Burlington, Jami Inman-Bell of Gotha, Florida, Linda (Rick) Vargas of Independence, Missouri, Debbie (Tom) Wadden of Keokuk, Iowa, Alicia Haupt of Goofy Ridge, Illinois and Elaine (Tom) Rountree of Milan, Illinois; his brothers: Raymond (Sarah) Inman of Coal Valley, Illinois, Craig (Ann) Schmoldt and Trenton Blythe of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his step-mother: Barbara Kienast of Cedar Rapids; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as his beloved dogs, Rocky and Bailey.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Harvey Kienast, mother, Zelda “Sam” Kienast Inman, step-father James Inman, sisters: Kristi Kienast (in infancy) and Lori Kienast, brothers: John Kienast, Donald Inman, Darrell Inman and sister-in-law: Juli Inman.
Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
The funeral service for Ron will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Banks & Beals in LaHarpe, with Rev. A. Lee Unger officiating. Burial with Military Rites will follow at LaHarpe Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established for Hospice Compassus or for Cancer Research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford.