Ronald B. Bell – 87

Ronald B. Bell age 87 of Clinton, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026 at his home. In following Ron’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at the Pape Funeral Home. A Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 10th at Immaculate Conception Church in Fulton. Burial will be at a later date in Clinton Lawn Cemetery.
Ron was born in Boone, Iowa on August 15, 1938, the son of Leo P. and Elda Ruth (Larson) Bell. He graduated in 1957 then served in the US Army from 1959 to 1962 where he traveled overseas into Europe and Germany. Upon returning home he met Kathleen Scanlan. They married on October 19th, 1963. Ron then started work with Chicago Northwestern Railroad in Clinton for 5 years. During this time he also attended classes at the local college to further his education and start a new role as salesman for CE Armstrong & Sons. He retired from there after 35 years and began working at Voss Brother Plumbing for another 5 years. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Studebaker’s Drivers Club, II Antique Auto Club, Rock River Valley, and the AMVETS. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, watching John Wayne movies, fishing, bowling, and following the Packers, and Hawkeyes.
Ron is survived by his wife Kathleen; 4 children, Gregory (Stacy) Bell of Clinton, Steven Bell of Clinton, Linda Archer (Wes Cowell) of Stockton, IL, and Rich (Suzie) Bell of Fulton; 5 grandchildren, Travis, Geoffrey, James, Emma and Brenna; 2 great grandchildren, Myles and Adrian, and a sister, Sandra (Thomas) Hansen of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Peter, and a sister Karen. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.