Obituary: Ronald Allen Hanouw

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Ronald Allen Hanouw

Ronald Allen Hanouw was born on October 20^th, 1944 in Morris, Illinois, son of Otto and Wilma (nee George) Hanouw.Ron entered eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, and passed away peacefully from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Ron attended Morris grade schools and Morris High school graduating in 1962.

Ron served in the US Army 1962-1965.He completed basic and advanced training in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Fort Ben Harrison in Indianapolis, and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.He served in Germany from 1963-1965 as a specialist 4^th class in the 4^th armored division in the technical unit.He received the Good Conduct medal and the Sharpshooter Medal.He was honorably discharged in 1965.

In 1966, after honking for several weeks in a row while “buzzing the gut” on famous Liberty Street in Morris. They would finally meet at the iconic Grundy Corn Festival and begin what would be a beautiful 58-year marriage. Ron married the love of his life and best friend, Kathryn Hinderaker, June 8^th, 1968, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris, IL.

After marrying Kathy, Ron attended Marycrest Business College in Joliet, IL and graduated with a degree in Business Administration & Accounting.He took additional professional banking courses at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

His work experience included being a cost accountant at Cowles Chemical, in Joliet, IL 1967-1969.He worked at Sponge Cushion as plant controller from 1969-1986.Ron served as the Internal Auditor at Grundy Bank in Morris from 1986 until his retirement in 2009.

Ron and Kathy had the joy of serving on a steering committee to start a new Lutheran Mission church in Morris, IL which a few years later became Peace Lutheran Church.Ron served on many committees and as church treasurer and president of the congregation.

After raising their family in Morris for almost 40 years, Ron and Kathy moved to Shorewood where they are current members of Messiah Lutheran in Joliet, IL.

Always a twinkle in his eye, Ron was a kind, considerate person who brought joy, love and a witty sense of humor to all around him.Whether driving a car or outside for a walk, he was known to smile and wave to everyone that crossed his path.

Ron’s passions and loves included his family, church, sports, (the Chicago Cubs!), chicken salad, fishing and gardening.A highlight was the many years of joyful memories he made while sharing laughter, meals (parties), and playing games with his beloved friends in Morris and caring neighbors in Shorewood Glen.He belonged to the American Legion post 1080 in Morris & Joliet, IL.His favorite memories included spending time teaching his grandchildren to fish and play many games together with endless joy and laughter.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, Renee (Scott) Seidler of Fountain Hills, AZ; his son, Keith (Jessie) Hanouw of Wildwood, MO; his beloved four grandchildren, Abigail (Brenden) Slavik, Lauren Seidler, Connor Seidler, Danielle Hanouw; and great granddaughter, Mia Slavik. He is also survived by his sister, Delores (Dennis) Perdue of Belleville, IL; sister-in-law, Ellen Hanouw of Morris, IL; sister-in-law, Lois Arneson of Bellevue, WA; and brother-in-law, Phil (Julie) Hinderaker of Edina, MN.; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Wilma Hanouw and brother, Ken Hanouw.

We are forever grateful for the tender care Ron received throughout this journey from the dear caregivers at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Alden Memory Care in Shorewood, and Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet. We are also deeply thankful for the many texts, phone calls, prayers, and expressions of love from beloved family, friends, and neighbors.

A Memorial Gathering for Ronald A. Hanouw will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 40 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Memorial Services at 2:30 p.m.

Per Ron’s request, cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Joliet, IL.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be directed to “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund” and “Dedicate a Donation” in Ronald’s name (at www.curealz.org), Messiah Lutheran Church, 40 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL, 60431, or to Lightways Hospice & Serious Illness Care, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his memorial tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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