Ronald W. Reece Obituary

Ronald W. Reece

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 3, 2023, at the age of 87.

Ronald is survived by his wife Jean “Peanut”, of 68 years. Their children Wendie (David) Hartsell, Betsy (Mick Jenco) Nurczyk and Tim (Mary) Reece. “Papa” was grandfather to Eric (Kate) Nurczyk, Ava and Ella Hartsell, Olivia and Lillianna Reece. Brothers-in-law of James (Joan) Norris and Bob (Kathleen) Norris. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Ronald is also survived by dear friend Dan Lauer of Shorewood, IL & Jim Morris of Washington Island, WI.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents William (1977) and Luella (1992) Reece and his sister Darlene Gabel (2010).

Ron was born in Joliet on February 28, 1936 to William Reece and Luella Reece (nee Balstrode). A lifelong resident of Joliet, he met his wife of 68 years, Jean Reece (nee Norris) when they sat next to each other in their 7th grade homeroom at Farragut School. The two would go on to work alongside one another at The Camera House before graduating with the Joliet Township High School Class of 1954. Ron and Jean eventually would be married on June 25, 1955 at Willow Avenue Presbyterian Church and would spend 75 years in total together.

Ron spent his professional career at AT&T, formerly Illinois Bell, until retiring at the age of 54. In his 35 and a half years of service, he never missed a single day of work.

His drive and dedication to working hard dates back to his younger days working on the family farm near Naperville, IL, where the land is now known as Balstrode Park. Ron, who was known on the farm as “Rooster”, never shied away from sharing a fond memory from the farm or talking about his love for the “pretty country”.

In his retirement, Ron was frequently found on the golf course, watching his favorite team – The Chicago Cubs, serving as President of the Telephone Pioneers of America, volunteering over 3,000 hours at Silver Cross Hospital, delivering flowers for Labo’s Flowers, serving as a Board member of the Oakwood Estates Homeowner’s Association and the Alumni Committee for the JTHS Class of 1954 or supporting his grandkids at their various sporting events and activities, where Ron was a regular at all of his grandson’s baseball games.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rush Copley Medical Center, AccentCare Hospice Center Naperville and caretaker Orlena “O” Guzman for their love and compassion.

Lying in state at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1015 Winthorp Ave. Saturday, September 9th at 9:00 A.M. until time of services at 10:00 A.M. Rev. Matt Robinson officiating. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to AccentCare Hospice Center Naperville and Westminster Presbyterian Church will be appreciated. Visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Friday, September 8th from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. For information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com