H.R. "Rick" Ronan's Obituary
H.R. “Rick” Ronan, age 98, of Oakdale, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 8:17 a.m., in Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, with his family by his side.
Rick was born on February 12, 1927 in St. Louis, MO, a son to Hugh Richard and Laura Jeanette (Huse) Ronan. In his youth, Rick played minor league baseball for the St. Louis Browns. On October 22, 1949, he married Elvera “Vera” Blumhorst in St. Louis, MO and she preceded him in death on September 23, 2016. Rick proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked as a journeyman plasterer for 16 years and was a dairy farmer for 35 years. Rick was a member at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Nashville, IL and was on the Oakdale Township Board for 30 years. Rick enjoyed taking road trips and picnicking with his wife. He loved baking, especially chocolate chip cookies. He loved telling jokes and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his children, James Patrick (Lori) Ronan of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Robert Michael (Jeannie) Ronan of Walnut Hill, IL, and Kathleen Marie (F. Mack) McKinnerney of Covington, TX; daughter-in-law, Marsha (Kit) Milano from Sandoval, IL; one brother, William Michael (Mary Ann) Ronan III of St. Charles, MO; ten grandchildren, Mandy (Mike) Brammeier, Carie (Jason) Boulanger, Jill Ronan, Treva (Ryan) Diekemper, Emily (Bryan) Henrichs, Andy Ronan, Daniel Ronan, Maggie Ronan, Shea McKinnerney, and Casey McKinnerney; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Vera; and one son, Thomas William Ronan.
Funeral services will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Nashville, IL, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Beverly Kahle officiating. Interment will be at Oakdale Cemetery, Oakdale, IL. Military honors will be preformed by the United States Navy and the local V.F.W. Post# 6865.
Visitation will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Nashville, IL on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Washington County Senior Services or St. Paul United Church of Christ, Nashville, IL.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Oakdale, IL has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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