Ronald L. Widler, retired Marion businessman, passed away at his home Sept. 8, at the age of 78.
He was born Sept. 9, 1931, at Burns, the son of Kenneth and Margaret (Bashor) Widler. He grew up in Burns and graduated from Burns High School.
On July 23, 1950, he was married to Dorothy Wade at Burns. During the Korean War, Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1971. He worked at the Marion County Record as a linotype operator and printer. In 1971, he purchased Merrill Cleaners and renamed it Ron’s Dry Cleaners. He continued to operate the business until his retirement in 2004.
Ron was a member of Valley United Methodist Church for 54 years. He was a member of Marion Masonic Lodge, a master mason, and past district deputy in the lodge. He was a member of Marion VFW and a past Kiwanis Club member. He served on the drainage board at the time when a dike was constructed around Marion. He was well liked and will be missed in the community.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clayton and Larry Parks.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of the home; a son, Steven and wife Vanessa of Washington, Iowa; a daughter, Jeannie and husband Brad Wildin of Marion; two sisters, Norma Widler of Marion and Arlene Wilbur of El Dorado; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
A funeral was at 3 p.m. Saturday at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion, with the Rev. X. Phil Smith officiating.
Inurnment followed at Marion Cemetery with military rites.
Memorials have been established with Hospice Care of Kansas and Stepping Stones Preschool Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home.