Obituaries : Ronald “Ron” Douglas Bossler

Ronald "Ron" Douglas Bossler, 78, of Vinton, died on March 9th, 2024, at his home with his wife of 56 years holding his hand and surrounded by family. Ron was a "tough as nails" man that seemed invincible to his family but ultimately, his death was due to complications from pancreatic cancer, his third cancer after surviving non-Hodgkin lymphoma and prostate cancer.

A self-described "cow man", his lifelong passion was raising cattle. He loved working the genetics of his herd to get the next crop of calves just right, and he knew each animal and their bloodlines back multiple generations. Ron was most at peace walking through the cows, undisturbed, quietly scratching their backs.

Ron was born February 25, 1946, to Loren and Lola (Junge) Bossler. He graduated from Van Horne High School in 1964 and attended Iowa State University from 1965 -1966. Ron served our country in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1966 - 1972 and was honorably discharged as Sergeant First Class. He married the love of his life, Kathryn Boisen on October 14, 1967, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne. Together, they made their home on a hilltop farm south of Vinton raising their three sons as cattle roamed the pastures. Farming for over 63 years, he appreciated hard work. He had a deep respect for nature, often transplanting trees from fence lines to give them new life on the farm. Ron was a good athlete playing baseball and basketball in high school. He enjoyed bowling and was a tremendous golfer, playing in tournaments with the Keystone Turners. He was a past board member at Tara Hills Golf & Country Club. For years, Ron and Kathy would line dance and two step at local clubs and in their later years, their family loved watching them take the floor at wedding dances. Over the years, he loved attending his children and grandchildren's events, always offering suggestions or congratulations at the end. His "enthusiasm" at sporting events made some of us nervous but the grandkids got a kick out of how animated Grandpa would get.

Left to honor his memory are his best friend and wife, Kathy, sons Aaron (Jeff), Eric (Lynette) and Adam (Jessica); along with grandchildren Eli, Morgan, Dylan, Colton and Courtney. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 14th from 4-7pm at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel (212 E. 6th Street) in Vinton. The family will hold a graveside service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family or Venmo @bosslera.

"Live life as if someone left the gate open!" (and run as if the cows got out!)

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com