Ronald La Vern Granzow

Ronald Granzow, 94, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from heart failure. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, Iowa, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM.

Ronald was born on May 2, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Roland and Sarah Granzow. He married his beloved wife of 59 years, Barbara Ann Granzow, on February 19, 1955. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Lyle and Luann Granzow; his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly and Randal Lehman; eight grandchildren; and twenty-three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, his parents, and his son Michael.

Ronald and Barbara raised three children together: Michael (deceased), Lyle, and Kimberly. At the age of eight, Ronald entered the foster care system, where he remained until he ran away at fourteen to be reunited with his father. Those difficult early years profoundly shaped his worldview and instilled in him a deep and abiding love for family and children. He often testified that God had helped and delivered him through those challenging times, and throughout his life he openly expressed his great faith in the Lord to many people. At eighteen he worked as a tree climber for Wright Tree Service until he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He volunteered for combat and served in the 82nd Airborne Division and in the 187th Regimental Combat Team. His unit was en route to Korea when the cease-fire was signed.

A graduate of Des Moines North High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Iowa in 1960. While at the University of Iowa he was a member of the Philip Ward Burton Chapter of Alpha Delta Sigma, the National Professional Advertising Fraternity for Men (initiated May 14, 1959).

Early in his professional life, Ronald served as President of the Jaycees in Pella, Iowa. He went on to become a well-known and gifted advertising executive in the Des Moines area. At KRNT he advanced to General Sales Manager and later founded his own advertising company specializing in print, radio, and television. He was also an active member of Toastmasters, where he honed his communication skills and enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow members.

Ronald cherished his family above all else. He loved boating and created many lasting memories on family vacations, especially those to Leech Lake in Minnesota. A passionate patriot, he volunteered extensively for Republican candidates and causes, including heading up the Alan Keyes presidential campaign for the State of Iowa. He remained active in precinct, district, and state party work, and in retirement he devoted many hours to Iowa Right to Life.

Ronald’s strong faith, enduring love for his family, and lifelong commitment to service touched countless lives. His story—from humble and difficult beginnings to a life marked by faith, family, and dedication to his community—stands as a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the transforming power of God’s grace.