Ronald Pumphrey

Ronald “Ron” Wayne Pumphrey, age 75, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. 

A memorial service was held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N 4th St, Clear Lake. Visitation took place from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. N, Clear Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either St. Croix Hospice (any checks should be made payable to the Hospice Support Foundation: Attn: Mary Minay 7755 3rd St. N. Suite 200, Oakdale, MN 55128) www.hospicesupportfoundation.org or Zion Lutheran Church.

Ron was born August 4, 1949, in Somerset, Kentucky to parents Cecil and Eula (Osborne) Pumphrey. He was the third and final addition to the family of five including his brother Doug and sister Brenda. The young family at the time was of humble means, living in a small one-bedroom country home. The home may have been small, but it was filled with love and rooted in faith. 

When Ron was 5 years old, his dad was given the chance to move the family north to Iowa to farm. The decision to move was difficult as it would mean not only leaving their home but also the many extended family members that lived close by. It was a leap of faith decision that would set in motion a lifetime of memories on a small family farm in Danville. Whether it was milking cows, taking care of the pigs or working the land, the family worked together always. In high school Ron played football and basketball, and some baseball which was reportedly his favorite.

After high school Ron left the family farm to attend Iowa State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. He then returned home and got his first job at the Co-op in Mediapolis, Iowa. During this time, he also proudly served as a medic for 6 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, Mt. Pleasant Unit.

He worked hard in his career to prove he could do more, and soon he was promoted to location manager for Des Moines County Farm Services. The next opportunity that came along a few years later seemed a very familiar circumstance as it would require his young family to leave family and friends and move north again; just as his parents had done years ago. The move brought them to Forest City, Iowa where Ron continued his successful career in the surrounding area. 

Ron met and married Debbie in 1993. They eventually moved to New Hampton where he was the General Manager of the Five Star Cooperative. When Ron retired in 2016, “Five Star Cooperative” had grown to include 20 locations. When asked about his career, Ron simply stated “I loved it.”

In retirement, Ron and Debbie found a new level of joy in life, often traveling with friends and family. These trips and friendships were treasured by Ron. He also kept active in his retirement by golfing at least a couple times a week. He was lucky to also join a group of friends for “coffee” at the local Clear Lake VFW. This group provided fellowship and thoughtful discussions which quite literally filled Ron’s cup each day. 

He was a dedicated and thoughtful husband; a supportive and loving dad; and an accomplished businessman. His legacy is one of inspiration that if you put your mind to succeeding in something, the possibilities are endless. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters, Sarah (Brett) Coberley and Jenny (John) Kolb; step-sons, Andy (Jen) Menges and Ben (Sarah) Menges; grandchildren, Kayla (Alex) Lucas, Cody Kolb, Grace Kolb, Jake Kolb, Tristan Coberley, Arabella Coberley; and baby Menges (Andy and Jen) due in March; brother Doug (Cindy) Pumphrey; sister, Brenda (Herb) Grinstead; mother-in-law, Faye Grady; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Dale) Arnold, Becky (David) Baack; brother-in-law, Marty (Shelly) Grady; along with many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Eula; father-in-law, Martin Grady; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Pumphrey. 

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for their compassion and support.