Ronald "Shoe" Sjostrom

Age 76 of Coal City, Illinois died Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois.

Born on July 26, 1947, in Pana, Illinois, Ronald Johnathon was the son of Richard John and Pearl (LeCocq) Sjostrom. His roots were woven through Morris and Verona, Illinois where he embraced his education, graduating from Mazon High School with the Class of 1965.

Shoe's journey was one of labor and love. He toiled as a Laborer, dedicating over 25 years of his life to the cause, proudly affiliated with Laborers Local #75. Yet, beyond his work, Shoe found solace and passion in the lanes, captaining bowling leagues on Monday and Friday evenings in Morris, as well as on a travel team. He was a member of the APA, and commanded the pool table at Hot Shots in Coal City, leading the "Nice Wrac" team throughout Grundy County.

An adventurer at heart, Shoe reveled in the roar of his motorcycles, the thrill of NASCAR, and the precision of bowling on the small screen. Naked and Afraid provided binge-worthy escapades, while his allegiance to the Green Bay Packers never wavered. He lent his expertise as a track official at the Morris Speedway, relishing the rush of the racetrack, and found serenity in annual trips to Las Vegas and camping escapades amidst the National Parks' grandeur.

But above all, Shoe cherished companionship, reveling in the warmth of family and friends, not to forget his beloved cat Speedy Dawg. He truly loved life, being with people and partying. Everyone that knew Shoe loved him. His departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, a testament to the imprint of his infectious spirit.

Survivors include his loving significant other of 23 years, Cheryl Panti; three sons: Jeff (Marie) Sjostrom and Jim Ferguson, both of Gardner, and Ryan Sjostrom of Chicago; seven grandchildren: Allen, Cody, Bristol, Seamus, Mary Kate, Fiona and Ronan, and one sister, Carla Sanders of Coal City.

Shoe was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew, Jody Gordon.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway in Coal City on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service 4:00 p.m.

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

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)