Ronald Lou “Ron” Mace, 81, of Fort Madison, died at 9:20 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Birkwood Village in Fort Madison.
He was born on June 15, 1944, in Floris, Iowa, the son of Daniel Maxwell “Max” and Marion Lou Dolton Mace. On May 25, 1984, he married Karen Hohl at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fort Madison.
Survivors include his wife: Karen; four children: Lisa (Brian) Kent of Agency, Iowa, James (Cathy) Mace of Morrow, Ohio, Scott Eastin of Willmar, Minnesota, Chris (Shandra) Eastin of Fort Madison, Iowa; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Gale Mace.
Ron was a 1962 graduate of Cardinal High School, he continued his education at Iowa State University. He retired in 2003 after serving as manager of Lee County Solid Waste and Linn County Solid Waste Agency in Cedar Rapids. Ron was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Donnellson, the Kiwanis Club and the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operation. He attended many conventions on recycling, became a respected leader in the industry and was honored with a Sierra Award for his innovation and contributions to recycling efforts. Ron enjoyed golfing, biking, ancestry research, wintering in Florida for the past seven years, traveling and seeing new places. Above all, Ron was a lifelong learner who never stopped exploring the world around him.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A visitation will be held with family receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson with Pastor Tony Keefe officiating.
Burial will be at Evangelical Cemetery in Donnellson at a later date.
A memorial has been established in his memory for Lee County Conservation.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements.