Ronald Sidney Denley

Ronald "Ron" Denley, a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 1, 2024. Ronald was born in Morton Grove, IL on June 15, 1941 to Mildred and Sidney Denley. He was a devoted husband to Alice Denley for 60 years, whom he married on August 8, 1964, at The First Baptist Church in Park Ridge, IL. Their marriage was a testament to love and commitment.

Ron proudly served his country in the Air National Guard from 1962 to 1968 and was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His sense of duty and patriotism remained strong throughout his life.

Ron was the loving brother of Lynn Klotz and a beloved father of four daughters: Beth (Jim) Specht, Debbie (Dave) Meyer, Melanie (Corky) Pilat, and Laura (Stan Crissman) Denley. His legacy lives on through his nine grandchildren: Alicia Meyer, Max Meyer, Kelsey Specht, Jessica Specht, Elaina Spencer, Jake Spencer, Quinton Pilat, Andrew Pilat, and Jack Pilat, whom he adored and cherish.

A man of many talents, Ron had a deep love for golf and shared his passion by teaching golf lessons to others. His love for the game extended beyond the course, as he found joy in both playing and coaching.

For over 45 years, Ron was an active member of Lord and Savior Church, where he served as an elder, offering guidance and wisdom to his community. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was a pillar of strength to those around him.

Ron spent 40 years as an engineer, during which time he earned over 32 United States patents, a remarkable testament to his ingenuity and dedication to his profession. In 2013, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Columbia, Missouri.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ron had a passion for gardening and found peace and joy in tending to his garden. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family, creating lasting memories with those he loved most.

The visitation and service will be on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Lord and Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church at 9300 Ridgefield Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012. The visitation will be from Noon to 2pm with a service at 2pm. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock, IL 60098.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Ron's honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization close to his heart. Donations can be made at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Ron will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.