Ronald L. Evangelisti, age 79, of Smithland, Iowa, passed away on January 11, 2026, at his residence of Smithland, Iowa.
Following his wishes, no public services will be held. He will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.
The Armstrong-Van Houten Funeral Home of Mapleton, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent online www.armstrongfuneral.com.
Ronald Lynn Evangelisti, age 79, passed away on January 11, 2026, at his home in Smithland, Iowa. A man defined by integrity, tireless work ethic, and an unparalleled mechanical mind, Ron left a lasting impact on both the automotive industry and the hearts of those who knew him.
Born on June 22, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Peter and Nancy Evangelisti, Ron’s journey was one of service and excellence. After earning his degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. During his military service, he achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5), was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and received an honorable discharge, reflecting the character and discipline he carried throughout his life.
Ron’s professional career was nothing short of legendary in the automotive world. He didn't just work on cars; he mastered them. He was a pioneer in his field, being one of only two individuals in the Greater Omaha area to be recognized by Chevrolet for General Certification in all service areas. His talent was recognized nationally when he was named one of the "Only the Best" service directors by Chevrolet—a distinction held by only 66 individuals out of 4,500 nationwide. Throughout his career, which included leadership roles at General Motors, Daewoo Motor America, and H&H Chevrolet, Ron was known as an honest broker and a master of his craft, earning two National Service Eagle Awards for his excellence.
Ron shared his decades of wisdom as an instructor at Universal Technical Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, from 1973 to 1978, ensuring his standards of hard work and precision were passed on to the next generation of mechanics. Even in his later years, he served as an independent contractor, conducting complex product liability investigations for the "Big Three" automakers.
Beyond the shop, Ron was a true "motorhead" who successfully built and raced multiple cars over the years. He took immense pride in his 1969 Camaro, a trophy-winning machine that won many awards at car shows and was featured in calendars, magazines, and news articles. When he wasn't at the track, he found peace in the intricate gears of horology, operating his clock repair business, "Time Bandit," and tending to a personal collection of over 400 clocks.
Above all, Ron was a man of his word—honest, hardworking, and always ready with a joke or a helping hand. He lived by his faith and took great pleasure in simply fixing what was broken, whether it was an engine, a clock, or a problem for a friend.
Ron is survived by his children: Andy Evangelisti, Rory (Leslie) Evangelisti, and William Evangelisti; five grandchildren; and his brothers, Pete and Jeff Evangelisti.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.
