Ronald Gordon Schwingen

Ronald (Ron) Gordon Schwingen, age 86, peacefully, loving husband of the late Joan (nee Armstead); dear father of Leslie R. (Scott) Troogstad and Joseph W. ; devoted grandfather of Logan Denis and Bridget Anita;dear brother of Karen(John) Marriner;dear uncle and great uncle to many and dear cousin also Dear “Mate” of many from the class of 1956 Weber High School Chicago

Beloved son of the late Wilbert and Margaret Schwingen; the caring brother of the late Nancy (Jack) Johnson, Terrence, Thomas, and John. Special friend of the late Heidi Bronowska.

Ron spent his career with the State of Illinois working in the Dept. of Employment Security and with the Comptroller office. His career fostered his love of Chicago traveling all over the city opening up the Hotel Nikko and the United Center while working at IDES and advocating for families through the cemetery division of the Comptroller office. He was an ESL teacher also for Truman College and other fractions. In his last days someone asked him his profession and he said “teacher”. We have to believe that is because he felt he was making a difference during that time and that his students appreciated all he did for them while being their teacher but also welcoming them to Chicago.

Ron loved the city of Chicago. He was a member of Second City and took part in various community theater productions. He was an expert at getting around the city and give his kids directions for all “L” and bus connections. He was so good at giving directions for getting around the city and suburbs by car. Up until his last days he was our own personal “google”.

Ron was a star basketball player through grammar school, high school, and college. He attended St. Gerturde in Franklin Park, IL and earned a basketball scholarship there to go to Weber High School in Chicago, he then earned a basketball scholarship to attend Loyola University in Chicago. While at Loyola he played for George Ireland and played with and against well-known players such as Jerry Harkness and Jerry West. He never stopped being an athlete throughout his life he enjoyed jogging, golf, and bowling. He played in a foursome at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville, IL for many years. He bowled on various bowling leagues and he loved to just go for a walk or a jog.

Ron loved animals. He would always feed the squirrels and birds in his backyard. He had many dogs growing up as a boy. He loved taking our dogs growing up Lizzie and Mookie for drives in the car going to the forest preserve to run around in the woods. We had many cats that our dad cared for house cats as well as outside cats. In his last days, he was kept company by Joe’s cat Juniper Berry who laid with him and comforted him and us while he was in hospice.

Ron was a devoted father. He was the best of friends to Joe and a constant supporter of Leslie. He loved his grandchildren and took part in all their activities and loved to hear about all their endeavors. He loved the movies and shared that love with both his children and grandchildren. We can’t go to the movie theater without thinking of him. Oh how he enjoyed fresh popcorn and a coke and in the later years a diet coke.

Ron loved a good piece of pizza especially Lou Malanti’s. He was a lover of all Chicagoland food specialties Gene n Judes, Manny’s Deli, Omega, McDonald’s coffee to name a few.

Ron lived a good life. A life that touched many….

Visitation Service for Ronald will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 North Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. Chapel prayers Friday, June 21, 2024 at 9:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish & Church Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM, 6020 W Ardmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60646. Following an Interment at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL. For more info call Malec & Sons FH (773-774-4100).