Ronald "Ron" F. Degenhardt

Ronald “Ron” F. Degenhardt, 70, loving husband, father, “Bapa” and friend passed away unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on May 24, 2021. Born on June 13, 1950 in Marshfield, Wisconsin, son to Henry and Lavern (Ryan) Degenhardt and later raised by his foster parents, Ray and Frieda Stamm. Ron went on to graduate from Alma Center High School in 1969. After meeting on a blind date, he married the love of his life, Halina Kwiatkowski on June 28, 1975. Ron was a jack of all trades. Correction, a master of all trades. His formal job was as an HVAC technician, but he was a constant handyman who enjoyed helping his family and friends with projects big and small. The ultimate perfectionist, he made sure every project was done to his standards. He was the most unselfish person ever and would drop what he was doing if someone asked for help. He saw the best in people and gave them opportunities when no one else would. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, often going into great detail on how to fix something or how to make a project better. He loved sharing his stories. And don’t try to debate if there’s life beyond Earth! In his free time Ron also enjoyed watching old westerns, the Discovery Channel, playing cards and calling himself a Green Bay Packers fan (merely because of his Wisconsin roots). He probably never watched a full game. He’s teased about his ability to nap anywhere- most often on the floor with the dog licking his head. The thing Ron loved most though was his family. His grandkids were a great source of joy and he would always come to sports games, recitals and any event that meant he could support his grandchildren. They loved his Bapa hugs! One, two, three BIG squeeze!! He constantly told his children how proud he was of the families they were raising.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife Halina of almost 46 years; his children Heather (Peter) Elsenbach, Brian (Kayce) Degenhardt, and Matthew (Jocelyn) Degenhardt; his grandchildren Meredith, Lauren, Avery, Luke, Samantha, Colin, Marley, Aiden, Lexi and Ainsley; his sisters Arlene (Ed) Housley and Helen “Corky” (Orv) Olsen and numerous nieces, nephews and beloved friends. Predeceased by his biological and foster parents, as well as 6 brothers and 4 sisters.

A Visitation will take place on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108. The visitation will continue the following day, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to establish at a later date. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com