Ronald Alexander Artzer

Ronald Alexander Artzer, devoted husband, selfless father, indulgent “Papou” and loyal friend, passed away peacefully after a brief illness in Dallas, Texas on July 20, 2026. Ron leaves the world a better place for every person lucky enough to have known him.

Ron was born on December 12, 1943, in Sterling, Colorado, to Alexander and Anna Mae Artzer. As the youngest of five children, Ron grew up in a busy Denver household teeming with activities at school, sports, church, and responsibilities at the Artzer family’s restaurants, including the Sterling Snack Shop. These early years in the hospitality business laid the foundation for what would become a lifetime focused on excellent service and entrepreneurial success.

After graduating from Regis High School and Regis College in 1966, Ron continued his family’s tradition of military service, volunteering in 1967 to serve his country in the United States Army. First Lieutenant Artzer was stationed in Mannheim, Germany, where he met a special education teacher who was also in service of the US State Department. Within three weeks, Ron proposed to Joyce. They married on August 23, 1969, starting a nearly six-decade journey together of life, love and family.

Ron’s infectious personality and entrepreneurial spirit drove him to a successful business career that saw him progress from a traveling coffee salesman to a leading corporate executive for companies including Pepsi, Carson Pirie Scott, First Brands, and Sara Lee. Ron’s success came from two simple things: his commitment to his customers and his unwavering optimism. No matter the odds, there was no business challenge that Ron wouldn’t tackle with Joyce’s loyal support.

Despite his professional successes, Ron found his truest calling as a grandfather, a role he relished more than any C-suite title. When he wasn’t on the sidelines watching grandkids play soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, football, lacrosse, polo, golf or rowing, Ron loved the game of golf. He loved to play it, watch it, and even loved being around it as a starter and course marshall after retirement. Golf was the perfect platform for his eternal optimism, respect for the rules, and incredibly quick sense of humor.