Ronald Moos

Ronald A. Moos, 82, passed away August 28, 2024, in his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was born on March 4, 1942 in Waterloo, Iowa to Nick Donald and Mary Louise Rouse Moos, and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1960. He married Suzanne Sanderson in 1963, and they welcomed their first daughter Deirdre in 1965, followed by the birth of their second child, Wendy, in 1967. Suzanne passed away in 1979. He later married Yvonne “Vonnie” Moos in 1984, and they settled in Sioux Falls in 1987.

Growing up in Iowa, Ron spent many days fishing with his step-father, Leo Goodwin, for catfish. And when he wasn’t enjoying his mom’s cooking, he loved eating at the Canteen Lunch or the Recovery Room—places he frequented whenever he returned to Ottumwa.

Ron developed his love of baseball, playing the position of catcher throughout high school and with the American Legion and the Babe Ruth League. He was being scouted by the professional leagues when a shoulder injury ended his dreams of playing baseball professionally. He joined the US Air Force in 1960, and proudly served his country until his retirement in 1985. During his time in the military, he was stationed many places throughout the US and the world, including South Korea, France, the Philippines, Okinawa, and Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City.

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked in Sioux Falls for the John Morrell Co. and later Pivot Power. When he fully retired, he became involved in various activities, including fundraising walks for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), restoring computers, maintaining his student class directory for Ottumwa High School, and spending time with friends and family.

Ron is survived by daughter Wendy Moos of Miami Gardens, FL; stepdaughter Lisa (Joe) Konicek of Duluth, MN; nephew Eddie (Julie) McAllister and Bill (Heather) Morehouse, both of Ottumwa, IA; grandsons Joshua (Ashley) McGowen of Flowery Branch, GA and Steven (Michelle) McGowen of Gainesville, GA, and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Vonnie; sister Margaret “Peggy” Mary Van Blaricom; son-in-law Jesse Valdes; daughter Deidre McGowen; nephew Kevin Morehouse; brother Don Moos; wife Suzanne Sanderson Moos, and his parents and step-father. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, September 10th, 11:00 a.m., at the South Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery in Sioux Falls, with full military honors. A reception at the South Dakota Miliary Heritage Alliance to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI, Wounded Warrior Project, or Sioux Falls Humane Society.