Ronald G Nairn

Ronald (Ronnie) Gary Nairn,76, beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 24th during a fishing vacation in northern Minnesota shortly after having caught "the big one". Ronnie was born February 6th 1937 in Sioux City, IA. The second child and first born son of Lloyd and Viola (Van Buskirk) Nairn. Ronnie grew up on an Iowa farm in the rural area known as Grand Meadow with his sister Alice and brother Gerald. As a young boy Ronnie developed a lifelong love for fishing, hunting, and team sports. He was an exceptional athlete playing baseball and basketball for Grand Meadow high school from which he was a 1955 graduate. His love of sports carried over through his adult life as he was always present at the games of his children and grandchildren to cheer them on. Ronnie attended Wayne State College in Wayne, NE after graduating from high school. He was united in marriage to his first wife Lillian Saxen on May 23, 1958. From this union children Greg, Jeff, and Julie were born. He was a successful salesmen in his early adult life prior to acquiring the Gas Lantern restaurant and bar on September 11th, 1972. He was united in marriage to his second wife, Diana Denlinger, on March 19th, 1975. Diana brought Ron a son, Brock, from a previous marriage. From this union daughter Kelli was born. Together Ronnie and Diana operated the Gas Lantern over four decades gaining region wide recognition for their famous pressure fried chicken. Although declining health forced Ronnie into retirement he could always be seen sitting at his favorite stool watching the business activity and conversing with his many customers. Ronnie had a special soft spot for individuals struggling with life's difficulties and was always there to lend a helping hand. Ronnie was a long standing member of the Masonic Lodge and the Abu-Bekr Shrine Temple.Survivors include his wife, Diana, of 38 years; five children, Greg Nairn of Pierson and special friend Karyn Salmon of Bronson, Jeff Nairn of Pierson, and Brock (Stacy) Harris of Moville, Julie Chinn and special friend Kerry Rabbass of Pierson, Kelli (Ryan) Schutt of Sioux City; siblings Alice (Keith) Mansfield of Pocahontas and Gerald (Sally) Nairn of Harlan; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd, mother Viola,grandson Casey Lee Chinn, and in-laws Clair (Pat) and Ada (Fixsel) Denlinger.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Abu Bekr Transportation Fund, 820 Nebraska St., Sioux City, IA 51101.