Ronald Gene Waxler

Ronald Gene Waxler lived a full and active life. He passed peacefully from this earth on November 3, 2010, at home with his family at his side, his gallant fight against cancer over. Ron was born December 5, 1931, in Fargo, ND to Orland and Ruth (Guymer) Waxler. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1949. Ron and Carol (Platt) Waxler married 57 years ago on February 20, 1953, at the First Methodist Church in Fargo, ND. Committed to higher education, Ron and Carol lived with Grandpa Waxler so he could study at North Dakota State University while providing for his young family. He graduated in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The family relocated to Rockford, IL when Ron accepted a position with Sundstrand Machine Tool Corporation. His career there spanned 33 years; he retired in 1989 as Department Manager of Test Equipment Operations. He was an active member of the Steak Club at Sundstrand for many years and made the holidays a better time for those less fortunate than he. Ron served his country both in the Marines and in the Signal Corp of the Army. Ron was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church. Ron loved all sports! He played in Fargo on the American Legion team with baseball great Roger Maris and enjoyed playing ball for many years. Ron enjoyed playing golf, tennis, hand ball and racquet ball. The tales of sports adventures with his brothers-in-law are infamous! Ron loved to travel, and he and Carol enjoyed a number of lovely trips; they celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary with a Mexican Cruise. Most of all Ron loved his girls, Carol, Lynn and Terri - they were the center of his world. nbsp;Many thanks to Dr. Peter Phelan and the excellent healthcare team of SwedishAmerican who have cared for Ron for many years. Survived by: Wife, Carol Waxler; Daughters, Lynn Waxler and Terri Waxler (Dean Hendrix Brothers-in-law, George (Marlys) Platt and Dick (L.J.) Menzel; Nieces and Nephews: Dave (Joanne) Platt, Karen (Chris) Bearman, Mike (Jamie Aragon) Menzel, Melissa (Joe) Lock; numerous great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents and in-laws; beloved sister-in-law, Linda (Platt) Menzel, and recently by Janet Johnson, whom he much considered a daughter.

Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory,nbsp;Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.. Visitation will be held from 1:00pm - 3:30pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to Centennial United Methodist Church, 219 South 2 nd Street, Rockford, IL, 61104 or SwedishAmerican Foundation , 1415 East State Street, Rockford, IL, 61104. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.