Ronald Jay Crooks, 66 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa, died at 3:10 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014 at his home after a battle with cancer. He was born December 23, 1947 at Charles City, Iowa, a son of Ray A. and Martha E. (Wolff) Crooks. On June 5, 1970, he married Andrea Syvrud at LeMars, Iowa.

Ron earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in physical education and math at the former Westmar College, LeMars, Iowa. He was a standout wrestler for his high school and college teams. He served 6 years in the Iowa Army National Guard. In 1971, he moved to Mediapolis where he taught math and was the head high school wrestling coach and junior high football, wrestling, and track coach. In 1978, he moved to New Hampton where he taught math and coached wrestling and football. He also farmed the family farm for several years. In 1990, he was the Iowa High School Class 2A Assistant Wrestling Coach of the Year. He moved to Fort Madison in 1990, where he taught at the Fort Madison High School for one year and drove a semi for Johnson Trucking for 22 years before retiring in 2012. He was a member of Faith Family Church, Keokuk. He enjoyed camping, watching sporting events, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea Crooks of Fort Madison, Iowa; his mother, Martha Crooks of Nashua, Iowa; two sons, Dan (Kelly) Crooks of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jason (Jessica) Crooks of Burlington, Iowa; one daughter, Mary (Don) Meyer of Franklin, Tennessee; three brothers: Roger Crooks of Charles City, Iowa; Lee (Regina) Crooks of Iowa City, Iowa; and Terry Crooks of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; one sister, Marty (Ron) Brunsvold of Davenport, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father and one sister, Norma Ridder.

His family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2014 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at the Faith Family Church, 2323 Main Street, Keokuk, Iowa, with Pastor Jay Zetterlund, officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established. Contributions may be left at the Barr Memorial Chapel or at the church during the service.