Ronald Joseph McCunniff, 75, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Waterloo, IA. 

Ronald Joseph McCunniff was born July 20, 1950, in Waterloo to Robert Dale McCunniff and Louise L. (Ihns) McCunniff. He was raised there, graduated from Waterloo West High School, and then attended Hawkeye Community College. Ron spent many years working for Hostess Bakeries, serving in several roles, including the mailroom and warehouse. In 2002, he met Penny Zerbe, and the two were married on September 24, 2011. A devoted fan of all things Iowa, Ron enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams, whether in person or on television-often gathering with friends on Saturdays at The Other Place in Overland Park-and he was a proud member of the Iowa Club of Kansas City. He stayed active throughout his life by playing tennis, pickleball, and golf, and by taking regular walks.

Travel and family time brought him great joy. He treasured trips to Splash Pool in Waterloo with Tom and Nancy, visits to Clear Lake with Don and Sue, and drives across Iowa to reconnect with cousins and former classmates. His travels also took him farther afield to places like Ireland, Alaska, and Hawaii, though returning to Iowa to spend time with his brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews was always especially meaningful. Whether attending his grandchildren's sporting events or relaxing at home grilling on the back patio, Ron found the greatest happiness in being surrounded by family and friends. 

Ron is preceded by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Penny Zerbe; Stepson, Dustin (Lindsay) Zerbe, their children: Aynsley, Ryker, and Emersyn; daughter; Angie (Daniel Thill) Hartig son's Ryan and Aaron Downing from Wilmont Minnesota; Brothers: Don (Sue) McCunniff and Tom (Nancy) McCunniff; Nephews: Pete McCunniff, son Cash, Michael (Erin) McCunniff, and Jesse (Tamar) McCunniff, kids Kamdon and Kennedy; nieces: Allison (Ross) Plummer, kids: Wellington and Palmer, Katelyn (Nick) Morgan, kids Noah and Kia, and Hanna McCunniff.