Ronald E. Settle

Shortly after zero hundred hours on 22 December 2025, United States Army CWO2 Ronald Eugene Settle (Retired) received his final orders. God had called His faithful servant home.

Ron was born in Altoona on 6 February 1935, the son of William and Martha (Decker) Settle.

Following his 1953 graduation from Altoona High School, Ron embarked on a 20 year career in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country from stations all over the world, including Afghanistan, Finland, Iran, Vietnam and West Germany. 
He also served numerous stateside assignments, among them Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

It was during his time in Finland, working as an attaché for the United States Embassy in Helsinki, Ron met the love of his life. On 3 May 1963, he married Anna-Liisa Heikkila. They shared 56 years of marriage until her death on 25 June 2019.

Ron retired from the military in 1973 and went on to work in a number of other capacities, most notably as a code enforcement officer for the City of Altoona and caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

Among Ron’s hobbies were bowling, computers, handyman projects, playing cards and travel. Ron and Liisa traveled extensively before his health declined, most frequently to the family cottage in the Finnish countryside.
He also enjoyed cooking, videography, watching westerns and listening to music like Eddy Arnold, Jim Reeves and Hank Williams.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ron was preceded in death by siblings Richard (Dick), Dolores (Doddie), William (Wild Bill), Betty (Bet) and Melvin (Beanie) along with numerous nieces and nephews. 
He was also predeceased by beloved pets including Missy, Prettygirl, Lucky, Ash and Blackie.

Ron is survived by his loving son Tom of Altoona, who was honored to be his caregiver for the final years of Ron’s earthly life. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Shirley Settle of Altoona and Terttu Wachtler of Frankfurt, Germany, 
nieces and nephews in Finland, Germany and the USA plus faithful pets Sisu, Baby, Precious, Tony, L.B and MiniMe.

A shout out to the caring staff at the Hollidaysburg Veteran’s Home where Ron spent the final 15 months of his life. Special thanks to family friends Tom Gray, Pastor Elizabeth Hess and Lori Smith for taking the time to visit Ron is his last days.

At Ron’s request, there was no viewing nor memorial service at this time. Per his Dad’s wishes, Tom plans to take his parents cremains back to Finland to be interred with his grandparents in the local church village cemetery.

Ron could be a difficult man at times and was known for enjoying a good argument. He especially liked dealing with telemarketers LOL. Ron had a great sense of humor, one of his favorite sayings was when asked how he was feeling, 
he’d say...with my hands (making gestures). At the same time, he was a very generous and compassionate person. He touched the lives of many up until his final days. Ron really mellowed in the end and was truly at peace with himself and his maker. May God bless and keep you until we meet again.

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