Ronald White

Ronald A. Sr. and Harriette E. (nee’Henry) White welcomed Ronald Andrew Jr. to their new home April 3, 1964. In 1965, Ronald enjoyed being a big brother to Michael Shawn.

 

His education began at Emmanuel Lutheran grade school. After grade school he transferred to Waldo Junior High School followed by East Aurora High School.

 

Ronald began working with his grandfather and great-uncle on the Henry Family Farm. He went on to work at various food places, learning restaurant cooking. He continued cooking for his family throughout his life. In the summer, he always brought out the smoker for BBQ’s.

 

Ron had many interests: state parks, collecting eagles, rock ’n’ roll music & his fur babies. He loved to grow orchids, cacti, tomatoes & peppers. He also had a “stand-up comedy” sense of humor.

 

In 1977, he was confirmed at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL. He joined St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman in 1996, when he moved to South Dakota. He brought his two sons and their mother. Unfortunately, the family was separated in 1998 and he never saw his kids again.

 

The Lord brought him to a wonderful partner, named Maria D. Nelson. They were married June 21, 2003 and set up housekeeping in Freeman.

 

Ron was called home on April 25, 2023. His passing is mourned by his loving wife, Maria; his mother Harriette; his brother, Michael Shawn (Diana); his nephews, Sean Stegall (Aurora) and Ashton White-Oelson; his nieces, Skyler (Dylan) Manmenga and Jaden White (Oregon); and his great-aunt, Dorthy Johnson (Illinois) as well as numerous first cousins and relatives by marriage.

 

He was greeted to his eternal home, by his loving Savior and his earthly family who proceed him: his father, Ronald A. White; his grandparents, Jesse & Emilie White (Iowa), Aaron & Marie Grimes (Aurora, IL), Everett & Cathleen Henry (Montgomery, IL); and great-grandmother, Gladys L. Henry (Yorkville, IL); along with many great-uncles, aunts, and cousins.