Edward Jonathan “Jon” Ranney, 61, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on May 14, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
Jon was born on June 6, 1963, in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Edward and Barbara Ranney. In 1974, his family moved to Huxley, Iowa, where Jon later graduated from Ballard High School in 1981. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying from Iowa State University in 1985. Years later after returning to Ames, Iowa, he completed a Master of Business Administration from the same institution.
After completing his engineering studies, Jon moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he met Kara Sue Cummings. The two were married on September 3, 1988, and relocated to Ames, Iowa, in 1989. Jon dedicated 34 years of service to the Iowa Department of Transportation, where he held various positions over the years, retiring in June 2023 as a District Engineer. He took great pride in serving the people of Iowa throughout his career.
Outside of work, Jon was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in trout fishing in northeast Iowa, pheasant and deer hunting, skiing, golfing, and tending to his garden. In retirement, he embraced traveling and cherished spending time with his family. He especially loved being a grandfather and treasured every moment spent on adventures with his five grandchildren (all under the age of 3).
Jon is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Barbara. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Kara Sue (Cummings) Ranney of Omaha, Nebraska; his children, Kayla Ranney (Barry King) of Lakewood Colorado, Sean Ranney (Kate) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kevin Ranney (Katie) of Rock Rapids, Iowa; and his grandchildren, Navy, Theodore, Hadley, Brielle, and Edward. He is also survived by his sister, Angela Gibson (Douglas).
Jon will be remembered as a devoted husband, a guiding father, and a proud grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, 4710 N. 90th Street, Omaha, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
14 Comments
I am truly shocked at this horrible, unexpected loss. We know the Ranney family through our boys and sports. Jon always had a smile on his face. The Blakeley family sends their thoughts and prayers to the Ranney family in this sudden loss.
So many cherished memories from elementary school and beyond. Even though I have not seen Jon in many years those fond memories have remained and I will always think highly of him. He truly was one of my kindest of friends. To Kara and family, my deepest condolences and prayers for God’s grace now and for always.
So many awesome memories of Jon from Elementary school and beyond. Even though I hadn’t seen Jon in many many years, those memories have always been fresh in my mind. I never had forgotten him and I never will. Just too many, laughs and happy times that I will forever cherish. Rest in peace, my dear friend. To Kara and family, I pray that God’s Grace gives you peace, now and for always.
Kara – I am so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Kara, dear Kara…I am so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and it will come with time. Hugs for you. From the water, Karen (Combs)
My sincere sympathy Ranney’s. What a shock. Didn’t know you were in Omaha Kara. I do know he was loving up on the grandkids I’m sure as they were on him by the pics on Facebook. I remember the times when our kids were in elementary at Northwood and our families got together. I took Jon on in arm wrestling. Let’s say I didn’t win😊 Those were the best of times.
Jon and Kara were always a fun couple. I am so sorry for his family’s loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Kara,
So sorry to read this that you lost your beloved husband. May you find peace and comfort. He was so young, just not fair. 🥰
Oh, Kara, so sorry to read this news. I too didn’t know you were in Omaha. My thoughts are with you and yours. I missed you when you left Story City Silver Sneakers. May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
Oh, Kara, so sorry to read this news. I, too, didn’t know you were in Omaha. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. I am thinking of you and yours.
Condolences from the Ballard Class of 1981
Another of our classmates gone too soon.
Prayers for the family during this heartbreaking time.
May peace be with you.
Kevin & Katie, and family,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers many times since hearing of the sudden passing of your dear father and grandfather. May God hold each of you close in His loving and comforting arms, especially as you go through this difficult time.
Margaret and I express our deepest sympathy to the Ranney family on the loss of Jon which I was so shocked to hear. Jon & Kara were next door neighbors to us in Mason City when they lived in the adjoining Twin Home. As with all neighbors you have your own schedule but we would once an awhile visit a little in passing. I knew that their stay here was until they could get settled into a retirement life with the children and grandchildren. And also as with many they don’t all the time get to see those chapters in their lives. We know all too well the loss of family members having lost siblings in our family just in the last 3 years. Please know we will be thinking of them as they deal with their loss and moving on from something that was so unexpected! God’s Love & Peace, Warren & Margaret Torkelson Mason City, Iowa
Kara, Angie, Doug and Family, My heart is broken and I am in such shock. I remember so many good times with Jon and your family growing up. I am praying for all of you as you walk this path of loss and sending hugs for all of you!!
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