Ron Habing

Age 90 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Monday, July 3, 2023 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, Illinois.

Born January 27, 1933 in Altamont, Illinois, Ronald Patrick was a son of Fredrick Bernard and Amelia Teresa (Laux) Habing. He was raised in Teutopolis, Illinois until moving to Wilmington with his family during his grade school years. Ron went on to graduate from Wilmington High School with the Class of 1951, and on May 17, 1952 married Elvera Roach in St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington. He later entered into the United States Army where he honorably served overseas during the Korean Conflict.

Ron’s employment began at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant prior to entering into the service, and again following his honorable discharge. He then gained employment with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet and later Johnson & Johnson Personal Products in Wilmington until its closing. Following his retirement Ron gained employment with Whitmore Ace Hardware in Wilmington where he enjoyed being a part of the team for another 16 years. He was a member of the Wilmington V.F.W. and the Father George Kuzma Council of the Knights of Columbus.

Throughout the years, Ron enjoyed camping at the Coal City Area Club with the kids as they were growing up; taking motorcycle trips, and holding his private pilots license. He was always one to keep busy, whether it be tinkering or socializing with his coffee clutch friends around town. Gone from our sight, there is no doubt that Ron will be missed and fondly remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Vera; three children: Sue Thompson, Sandy (Bob) Adams and James (Tina) Habing, all of Wilmington; son-in-law, Todd (Doreen) Soltysik of Kankakee; grandchildren: Jeff Thompson (fiance’ Kristi Opyd), Stephanie Thompson, Chris Thompson (Katie Bowman), Carrie (Brent) Van Duyne, Tony (Natalie) Adams, Curt (Shanta) Adams, Bryan (Taylor) Adams, Bobby Soltysik (fiance’ Amber Combs) and Brian Butcher; great grandchildren: Cole (Hayleigh) Thompson, Kile Thompson, Zach Thompson, Aiden Thompson, Korbin Thompson, Tucker Thompson, Mike Catlin, Hunter Catlin, Zander Van Duyne, Chance Van Duyne, Blayne (Katie) Adams, Makenna Adams, Peyton Adams, and Logan Adams; great-great grandchildren: Eoghan Thompson, Declan Thompson and Maverick Thompson; one sister, Jean (Richard) Skelly of Kankakee; brother, Tom (Sherrie) Habing of Rockford; two sisters-in-law: Pam Habing of Milford and Nancy Habing of Ames, Iowa, and dear friends, Bryan and Nitsa Smythe of South Carolina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sheila Soltysik; two grandsons: Ronnie and Ryan; his son-in-law, Rick Thompson, and two brothers: Pat Habing and Charles Habing.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. in St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 S. Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding.

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington, and pallbearers will be Ron’s Grandsons.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ron’s memory to Illinois Veterans Home Manteno Volunteer Services, or to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Ron’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)