Ronald "Ron" Amaral

Ronald “Ron” Amaral, 75, of Elk Horn, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Atlantic Specialty Care. Ron was born on December 30, 1949, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the son of Ralph Joseph and Catherine Ruth (Duell) Travers. He grew up with an older brother, Edward and younger sister, Joanne.

From an early age, Ron had an exceptional eye for detail and organization and took immense pride in caring for his possessions. As a child, he maintained the cleanest bedroom and carried this meticulous nature throughout his life, especially with the cars he cherished. Even as a young boy, he preferred working alongside local farmers to sitting in a classroom, finding joy and purpose in honest, hands-on work.

On May 31, 1985, he was united in marriage to Theresa (Terri) Elizabeth Peterson in Seekonk, MA. The couple was blessed with two children, Samantha and Alex. They lived in Seekonk until moving in 1988, to Council Bluffs, IA and later, 2006, made Elk Horn, IA home. One would think for the amount of time he was away from the east coast his accent would lessen, but it didn’t!

Ron's passion for automobiles defined much of his life. He bought countless vehicles, usually pushing them to the limit– later dreaming of the day he could restore a classic car in his retirement. Despite living in Iowa for many years, Ron's heart remained tied to his East Coast roots. He cherished trips back to his hometown, where he loved going to the ocean and indulging in fresh seafood, reconnecting with the place that shaped him.

As a professional truck driver and owner of his own trucking company, Ron spent decades on America's highways. He was known as an exceptional driver who could maneuver vehicles in ways that amazed others and navigate conditions that would intimidate most. During those long hours on the road, he would often call loved ones just to check in, his voice a welcome surprise that showed how much he cared.

Though Ron could appear rough around the edges to strangers, those fortunate enough to know him understood they had found someone truly special in their corner. He was fiercely protective of those he loved, sometimes to a fault - his deep love for his children made him worry about their safety in a world he knew could be harsh. This same protective love extended to his grandsons, whom he adored completely. Despite having weathered many of life's difficulties, Ron found pure joy in the innocence of children, often getting down on the floor to play with the little ones, his tough exterior melting away in their presence.

Ron lived life on his own terms - a rebel who pushed boundaries and carved his own path.

Above all, Ron will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, worked hard, and lived authentically. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and protected, and in the countless memories of a man who was truly one of a kind.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Care Initiatives Hospice and Atlantic Specialty Care for their care and support.

Ron is survived by his wife, Terri; daughter, Samantha (Jordan) Spence; son, Alex (Eliana Young) Amaral; two grandsons, Lincoln and Boston Spence; sister Joanne Bennett and her three daughters, Carrie, Stephanie and Shayna; and nieces, daughters of his late brother Edward, Kathleen, Melissa and Ann Marie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Catherine Travers; brother, Edward Amaral and several close friends.

Visitation with the family present will begin at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 29th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial service at 3:30 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ron’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.