Ronald D. Hersom, age 83, of Laurens, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at his home in Laurens, Iowa.

Ronald Dean Hersom was born on March 23, 1940, in Spencer, Iowa. He was the son of C.I. and Vivian (Swanson) Hersom. Ron graduated from the Laurens High School in 1958. On May 31, 1959, Ron married Marilyn Ball in Laurens. He later continued his education at Iowa State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1962. He began his career in Omaha at Haskins and Sells CPA Firm, then in 1964 he returned to Laurens to work with his father in the family business, Hersom Construction. They built over 200 churches in over 6 states over the years. Ron also owned Kawel Track and Tennis Co. where they built hundreds of tracks and tennis courts. On September 30, 1983, Ron was united in marriage to Janice Moen Mason in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple continued to live in Laurens. Ron and Jan retired in 2005.

Ron was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Bethany Church Council, the Laurens Country Club, the Laurens Skyways and the American Sports Builders Association. He served on the Laurens School Board, as President on the Laurens Care Center Board and was a founding member of the Laurens Development Corporation. Ron was an avid Cyclone fan and enjoyed golfing, playing cards, raising flowers, watching western movies and listening to country music. He spent most of his life in Laurens. He had a selfless love for the community, donated time, talents, knowledge, materials and equipment to many community endeavors.  He loved the time he spent with his grandkids and family, including countless games, concerts and programs that their grandkids participated in.

Survivors include his wife, Jan of Laurens; his children, Steve (Ann) Hersom of Berthoud, CO, Susan (Mark) Parker of New Hartford, Rick (Cindy) Mason of Omaha, NE, Shannon (Sonja) Hersom of Ankeny, Rory (Janelle) Mason of Nevada and Sharon Foss of Winona, MN; 15 grandchildren, Calvin, Carl, Maddie, Carson, Elli, Serena, Jillian, Elijah, Kathryn, Cooper, Dylan, Paul, Broc, Cole and Magan, and 2 great-grandchildren, Parker and Harvey.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Arnold Hersom and his sister, Eileen Triggs.