Ronald King

Ronald George King, 77, of Idaho Springs, Colorado, died Saturday, November 16, 2019.

He was born on March 7, 1942 in Tamarack, Minnesota to Anna and Gilbert King. He was baptized on March 18, 1942 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wright, Minnesota. Ronald was confirmed in his faith on March 20, 1960 at Southwest Denver Lutheran Mission in Lakewood, Colorado.

From 1942 to 1952, the family lived and moved between Iowa and Minnesota, often staying at or near the family farm in Kingsley, Iowa. In 1952, the family moved to Englewood, Colorado. He spent several school vacations working on relative's farms in Iowa.

Ronald finished elementary and middle school in Englewood, and attended Englewood High School. In 1957, the family moved to Lakewood, Colorado, where he attended Bear Creek High School, while Alameda High School was being built. He graduated from the new Alameda High School in 1961.

Ronald was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado. He was a charter member, and helped with the construction and maintenance of the church, school and church grounds, in addition to serving as an usher.

Ronald loved cars, driving and going on road trips. He loved spending time with his family and living in the mountains. He knew the value of hard work and sacrifice. He was a storyteller and tried to find the humor and blessings in every situation he faced.

Ronald loved and found peace in the mountains. He moved his family to the mountains, and built their family's home there with his wife, sons, and family members, on the property he had camped on as a boy, and dreamed of living on one day.

Ronald raced a rail car, and enjoyed skiing. He knew the make, model and year of most cars, and kept his cars well maintained. He enjoyed reading Clive Cussler novels, doing puzzles, and playing cards and games. He attended every school or sports event he could for his sons, grandsons, nieces and nephews.

Ronald worked as a printer and Manager of Reprographics at Rocky Mountain Motor Tariff Bureau for 44 years. He started working in 1962, until he was drafted into the Army, in 1964.

Ronald was a Vietnam veteran, and served as a medic in the US Army from 1964 - 1966. At the time of discharge, he received the rank of Private E-3, and earned the Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct medal.

In 1966, Ronald returned to work at Rocky Mountain Tariff Bureau, where he worked until he retired in 2008.

In 1970, he was married to Jeanette J. King. Their union was blessed with two sons, Jeffrey and Bryan.

During retirement, Ronald enjoyed spending time with and caring for his family, working on the family home and property, staying busy cutting down trees for firewood, and washing and waxing his cars for his next trip to California to see his sons and grandsons.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his son Jeffrey, his wife Ingrid, and his grandsons Benjamin and Noah; his son Bryan; his brothers Ora (Pauline); David and Dennis; sisters Gloria Watkins, Mardy Armstrong (David), Sandy Stewart, Carol Kennedy (Bob), Karen Kling, and Patty Volkel (Kirk). He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ronald is preceded in death by his brothers Teddy and Robert, and his parents, Gilbert and Anne King.

Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2600 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Denver, Colorado 80227.

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