"Dear Schildroth Family, So sorry for your loss. Over the years as my own engagement in the soybean organization world was growing, I remember hearing the name Ron Schildroth many, many times. In every case, it was do to with things associated with his huge passion for the soybean industry and the organizations working for the benefit of soybean farmers. I am sure that many like me will remember him for his tireless support of our industry. Thank you for sharing him with us. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Thomas E. Oswald 2014-15 Iowa Soybean Association President Cleghorn Iowa"
In loving memory of
Ronald Schildroth
February 26, 1928 - April 25, 2015
Ronald Walter Schildroth was born on February 26, 1928 in Washington Township, Grundy County, Iowa to Reuben and Ella Schildroth. He attended the one room school in Washington Township and then attended Reinbeck High School where he graduated in 1945. He then attended Gates Business College in Waterloo before working as a bookkeeper at an egg hatchery in Waverly, Iowa. In 1948 he took over his father's farming operation. On November 4,1954 he married the Grundy County Nurse, Elizabeth Douglas Clegg. They had four children, Sarah, Robert, Joan, and Nancy.
His life could be summed up by three F's: Farming, Family and Faith.
He farmed in Grundy County until 2003. He was a member of the American Soybean Association, working as a recruiter for many years. He was recognized as the top recruiter in the nation for 3 consecutive years receiving many awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. He enjoyed summer family vacations which included several trips to the Rocky Mountains ('Life is like a mountain railroad'), North Carolina to visit Elizabeth's family, and family camp at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp at Clear Lake. In recent years Ronald and Elizabeth spent their winters at Maranatha Village in Sebring, FL.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Grundy Center where he served as a teacher, Sunday School Superintendant, and deacon.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his daughter Sarah and her husband, Robert Lehman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, his son Robert, of Grundy Center, his daughter Joan and her husband Steve Blair of Silver Spring, MD, his daughter Nancy and her husband Mark Buskohl of Grundy Center, 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Arlene Schildroth of Waterloo and Rachel Schildroth of Staten Island, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John and Marvin, his sister, Iva and his daughter-in-law, Joy.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Grundy Center at 1:00 pm Monday, May 4, 2015 followed by a luncheon in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to Gideons International.