Ronald F. Choate

Ronald F. Choate, 71, of Peoria, passed away peacefully at 8:35 am on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at his home. He was born June 25, 1942 in Simpson, IL to Floyd and Imogene (Murrie) Choate. He married Marilyn Elleson June 7, 1989 in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She survives along with four children: Christina Choate of Peoria, Joe (Brook) Lewis of Nashville, TN, Jennifer Choate of Peoria, and Jessica (Doug) Liniger of Springfield, IL. Also surving are five grandchildren — Olivia, Grace, Amber, Austin, and Audra — and one brother, Gary (Linda) Choate of Vienna, IL. He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Ron received a bachelor's degree in economics from Southern Illinois University in 1964 and a master's degree in economics again from SIU two years later. He taught at his alma mater briefly upon receiving his graduate degree. Ron began his 38-year career at Caterpillar in June 1969. During his time at the company, he worked in numerous areas including Products Control, Pricing & Scheduling, the North American Commercial Division, and Systems & Processes. Upon his retirement from Cat in 2007, Ron began teaching business and marketing courses at Bradley University. He remained at Bradley for six years, through the spring of 2013. Ron was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be Tuesday Aug. 6, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), or OSF Hospice. The Choate family would also like to thank Tiffany Parker, C.N.A. and Susan Taylor, R.N. for their service during Ron's illness. Please view Ron’s obituary online at www.Woollsey-Wilton.com