Ronald (Ron) E. Reese

West Des Moines

Ronald (Ron) E. Reese, 47, passed away March 5, 2017. He was born December 4, 1969 in Des Moines, IA. Ron is survived by his two sons Jackson and MacArthur Reese and their mother Wen Chi Reese Hicks, his mother Joyce Reese, brother Billy (Bette) Reese, sister Tami Witte, sister Teri (Jerry) Wonderlich, brother Todd (Rhonda) Reese, brother Robert (Clairen) Reese, brother-in law William (Patsy) Zweber as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his father Bill Reese and sister Rebecca Reese Zweber. Ron graduated from Valley High School and was a member of West Des Moines Christian Church. In high school, he was a Rotary International Exchange Student to Japan. He received his BA in Japanese, Economics & International Business from University of Iowa and MBA in Finance & Marketing from University of Connecticut. He was proficient in Japanese with basic skills in French, Spanish and elementary Mandarin. He had a 16 year career in commercial and consumer financial services working in Chicago, Connecticut, Manhattan, Southern California and West Des Moines. Recently, he moved back to his hometown to be close to family and worked at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Having traveled to over 50 countries, Ron had a passion for travel and a vast knowledge of many different cultures and customs. He enjoyed volunteering at events benefiting the Japan American Society of Iowa. Ron loved outdoor sports like scuba diving, snow skiing, hiking, biking, tennis and golf. He played piano, guitar and enjoyed attending live concerts, festivals and performing arts events. He had a smile that would light up a room and was a caring individual that always made his friends and family laugh. He was most proud of his sons and loved them very much. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway, with visitation at 1:30 p.m., service at 2 p.m. and reception following. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ron Reese Family Fund to benefit his sons.