Ronald E. Bockstahler

Age 81 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 30, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.

Born January 27, 1941 in Evansville, Indiana, Ronald Ervin was a son of Ervin John and Marjorie Olivia (Curtis) Bockstahler. He was raised in Fairfield, Illinois; graduated from Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, and went on to attend Bloom Community College. Ron was a Veteran of the United States Army and honorably served in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. He worked for Lally Pipe and Tube Company in Tinley Park, where he retired following 23 years of service. Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington; The American Legion, A.F. & A.M. Wilmington Lodge; and the Wilmington Moose Lodge #241. He was an avid reader and will be remembered as a history buff. Ron was an incredibly loving and patient man who adored his family and had a knack for making those around him feel special.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Wunderlich-Bockstahler, whom he share his life with for 27 years; children: Evelyn (Matt) Dragatsis of Denver, Colorado, Ronald (Rebecca) Bockstahler of Indianapolis, Indiana, John Sowa of Wilmington, Lisa (Danny) Neu of Braidwood, Illinois and Raymond (Danielle) Bockstahler of Joliet, Illinois; step children: Nancy (Michael) Wind and Karen (Andres) Keipert, both of Florida, Debbie (Duane) Kane and Patti (Terry) Smith, both of Wilmington, Michelle (Jack) Thompson of Arkansas and Theresa Latimer of Bloomington, Illinois; (33) grandchildren; (18) great grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Jerry (Odessa) Halterman of Florida and nieces and nephews: Vikki (Brad) Russell of Utah and Michael (Lisa) Sapp of Indianapolis.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Kathryn Halterman; sister, Norma Jean Cook; granddaughters: Autumn Reanne Bockstahler and Rebecca Diane Neu; grandsons: Matthew Bockstahler, Daniel Bockstahler and Jonathon Bockstahler, and his two step-sons: Eric Wunderlich and Robert Latimer.

The family will receive family and friends at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Friday, August 5, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 1:00 p.m. Reverend Harriette Cross from the First United Methodist Church will officiate.

Burial with military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 2:30 p.m.

Pallbearers will be: Cody Nicholson, Andrew Bockstahler, Jordan Neu, Jakob Brand, Payton Neu, Kohler Bockstahler, Nathan Bockstahler and Nicholas Bockstahler.

In lieu of flowers, do a good deed in memory of Ron. If you wish to make a memorial, they may be directed to Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photos 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) www.BaskervilleFuneral.com