Ronald M. Tuftee

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Ronald M. Tuftee, 72, of Eldridge, IA.

Ron was born on February 20, 1953 in Donahue, IA. He was a lifelong resident of rural Scott County, growing up in Donahue on the Wapsi River and later moving to his dream property in Eldridge, IA just East of Scott County Park. He loved being in his yard on his John Deere Gator and worked tirelessly on his beloved vegetable garden and apple trees. He had a gift for gardening and thoroughly enjoyed the process, especially the fruits of his labor at dinner time! Ron was an avid outdoorsman and taught all of us so much about nature. He loved to hunt deer in the winter in SE Iowa, turkey in the Spring and spend the rest of the year relishing in the experiences and telling many fun stories. Anyone who knew Ron, knew that he was a teaser and always had the best pokes in the name of fun. He loved to laugh and we could all learn a lot from his carefree outlook on life.

Ron was self-employed in the home construction business alongside his wife running Ron Tuftee Builders for nearly 40 years. During that time he also acquired rental properties and owned and operated BTLS Properties until his passing. During the last 7 years of his career, he got the joy of being the Construction Director for Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities Chapter until his retirement. Throughout the Quad Cities you can drive by and see the many beautiful homes he built.

Ron was a 1971 graduate of North Scott High School where he was a standout athlete in multiple sports with football being his greatest strength. He was the President of his Senior Class and would become the very first football player from North Scott High School to receive a Division 1 scholarship and would go on to play Fullback for the Iowa State Cyclones. In 2022 he was inducted into the North Scott Hall of Fame and was honored to be recognized for his achievements. Although a force to be reckoned with, Ron was always known for his sportsmanship. He was awarded the Mike Collum Memorial Award for Sportsmanship for his character both on and off the field. After high school, Ron went on to play sports until his late forties. He played basketball in a league at North Scott Junior High in the winter months on Wednesday nights. And in the summer you could find him twice a week in Grand Mound or DeWitt playing men’s slow pitch softball.

On August 17, 1974 he married the love of his life, Rebecca in Davenport, IA. They went on to celebrate 50 beautiful years of marriage. They were inseparable and the very best of friends. Their four children were fortunate to witness “true love” in their parents. Ron was affectionately known to Becky as his “Lover Boy” because he was her world and she was his!

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca and their four children, Brad (Angi) of Thomson, IL, Teisha of Eldridge, IA, Lee (Shanyn) of Apple Valley, MN and Sheila (Levi Ion) of Princeton, IA. Along with a bonus son, Troy Kroeger of Okoboji, IA. His greatest joy in life were his children and especially his grandchildren, Bradley, Cassidy, Cole, Andren, Marek, Brooke, and Maeve. He will also be deeply missed by his beloved dogs Bindi, McGee, Beau and Bruce. Also surviving are his three brothers, Robert, Ralph and Randall (Doris) along with his sisters Sharon (Rich Austin), his birthday twin Marylou (Vince Weber), Lori (Chris Cummings) and Beth (Dave Irving), his father-in-law, Robert Pekios of Bettendorf, brother in laws Dan and Tim Pekios, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Marcella Tuftee, a brother Roger (Trish), a sister-in-law Margie (Robert), his mother-in-law, Virginia Pekios and his beloved uncle Norman along with his best companion, Kramer.

Per Ron’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. There will be a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Quad-City Animal Welfare Center or the Long Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Jon Robken and his assistant Shannon, Dr. Coyne and his assistant Trisha and the many staff and workers at MercyOne Genesis for their care of Ron. Ron was definitely a warrior having survived open heart surgery along with 27 cardiac catheterizations with the placement of 101 heart stents in the last 10 years. We will forever be grateful from our hearts to yours!