Paul "Tom" Ridge

Born in Muscatine, IA
Born on Jul 23, 1942
Departed on Nov 22, 2021

Memorial

Paul Ridge, (79), of Marion, IA passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021 in his home with his wife of 57 years, Julie, by his side. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home from 1 to 3 PM. Funeral services will be held the following day at 1PM at First United Methodist Church in Marion. 

Paul Thomas (Tom) Ridge, was born in Muscatine Iowa on the 23rd day of July in 1942. He grew up in Muscatine, attended Muscatine Jr. College, and graduated with a degree from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, IA.  After moving to Cedar Rapids to start work at Collins Radio, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 8 years and did his active duty in Tacoma, WA. His 35 year career as a master scheduler at Collins Radio (Aerospace) included contributions to the Apollo Rocket and Space Shuttle programs as well as countless additional avionics projects for both the U.S. military and private clients.

An avid University of Iowa Sports fan, Tom began attending Hawkeye football games at the age of 8 and proceeded to only miss two home games over the next 63 years. His love of the Hawks, of course, rubbed off on his family, all of whom continue to carry on that loyalty today.

As a father, grandfather, husband, and friend, Tom was supportive and patient. He was known as someone who didn’t seek the limelight, but who was always present when people needed him most. His family and friends have spent recent days recounting countless stories of their times together in their homes; at their cabin in Brooklyn, IA; on the road in their RV; in and around Kinnick Stadium; and in their priceless neighborhood on Crandall Drive in Cedar Rapids. They have celebrated a life that was truly full, both in experience and love. 

Tom is preceded in death by his father Paul Gene, his mother Helen, and his sister Sharon. 

Left to cherish his memories are his wife and best friend Julie, daughter Nicole (Marion), son Brett and daughter in-law Tammy (Grimes, IA), brother Steve and Sister in-law Rene (Marion), sister Betty Sue and brother in-law Mike Archibald (Norwalk, IA), grandsons Andrew, Waldon, Anthony, and granddaughter Ashley, great-grandson Logan, beloved nieces and nephews, and loving dog Lexi. 

Memorial donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church of Marion or Cedar Valley Humane Society.