Ronald Gary Saboe, age 76, of West Union, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025. He was born on June 20, 1949, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Orville Lawrence and Ione (Thoresen) Saboe.
Ron graduated from North High School in 1967 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Education from Iowa State University in 1974. He also attended St. Paul Vocational Technical School, where he studied clock and watchmaking. In 1981, he was awarded a GIA diamond scholarship from the Jewelers of America.
On November 5, 1983, Ron was united in marriage to Constance “Connie” Rominger at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. Two sons were born to this union, Michael and Jeff.
In 1983, Ron and Connie purchased Saboe Jewelry in West Union, Iowa’s oldest jewelry store, which they operated together for many years. Ron was a skilled watchmaker and a devoted business owner.
Ron had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He was passionate about photography—especially sports photography for local newspapers—cycling, tinkering, snow skiing, and working with computers. He was also known for his love of Corvettes.
Deeply committed to his community, Ron served on the board of the West Union Historical Center and was an active member of both the Lions Club and Rotary Club, where he served as a past president. He was also involved with the Echo Valley Friendship Trail and was instrumental in bringing RAGBRAI to West Union in 2005.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Connie Saboe of West Union; his sons, Michael Saboe (fiancée, Julia) and Jeff Saboe; his siblings, Beverly Saboe, Gary (Julie) Saboe and their children John (Jenn) and Kristin (Mike), and Sharon (Lynnce) Coyner and their children Jenny and Emily (Dave); sister-in-law Katherine Metcalf; great nieces Brooke and Delaney; great nephews Grant, Everett, Teddy, Hayden, and Mason; as well as extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his nephew, Matt Coyner; and his in-laws, Robert and Darlene Rominger.
Ron will be remembered for his quiet determination, his deep love for family and community, and the many talents he shared so generously throughout his life.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa.
Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Isaiah Stansbery officiating.
Burial will follow at a later date at West Union Cemetery.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the City of West Union with the memo: Ron Saboe Memorial, or to Zion Lutheran Church.