Ronald D. “Ronnie” Holmes, 71, of Burlington, Iowa, died Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City.
Born on December 15, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa, he was the son of LeRoy and Blanche (Parsons) Holmes.
Ronnie attended Keokuk Senior High School and graduated from Southeastern Community College with his CNA. He was a member of Burlington First Assembly of God. He worked in construction and maintenance his whole life until he retired. During his retirement he worked at Hopefully Yours which he enjoyed very much. In his free time, he enjoyed going to thrift stores and auctions with his special friend. They were always looking for things he loved to collect: Coca-Cola items, oil lamps, vintage garage memorabilia and antiques. Ronnie never missed an opportunity to get on his Harley Davidson and go for a ride. Even after struggling with his health, he would still find the strength to ride. Ronnie was deeply devoted to God and read his bible every day. He enjoyed sitting around talking and sharing about what he was reading with others. Ronnie was a very proud winner of a chili cook off and won first place. Most of all Ronnie loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his four children: Brandon Holmes, Tara Holmes, Dustin Holmes and Laura (Zac) Gayewski; nine grandchildren: Kendal, Amber, Ticionna, Hunter, Emmah, Maci, Elijah, Gibson and Clover; three siblings: Marsha Holmes, Robert Holmes and Jan Appleget. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Brian Holmes; sister Sharon Brooks and brother in-law Lynn Appleget.
The funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Burlington First Assembly of God with Rod Nichols officiating. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the service at 3:00 p.m. at Burlington First Assembly of God where the family will meet with friends. Interment will be held in Hickory Grove Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established in his memory.