Ronald R. Harkness

Ron was born on August 15, 1938 in Freeport, the son of Raymond Daniel and Marie Antoinette (Ottenhausen) Harkness. He married Chelly on August 18, 1986. Ron was a member of 3rd Presbyterian Church of Rockford. He was a banker and mortgage loan officer for over 40 years. Ron was Past President of the Churchill Grove Neighborhood Association, Past Treasurer of the Rockford Board of Realtors, Past Treasurer of the Rockford Home Builders Association, Past President of the Broadway Business Association, Past Secretary and Treasurer of the Winnebago County 4-H Foundation. He was a Past Board member and 1st male cookie chairman of the Rock River Valley Council of Girl Scouts. Ron was a Past President of the Rockford Jaycees with worldwide # 12662 and an Illinois JCI Senator. Ron’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid Chicago Bears Fan. Ron loved decorating and preparing for Christmas, being involved with community activities and being a snowbird in Florida with cousins.

Ronald is survived by his loving wife Chelly; children David Harkness, Susan Harkness (Michael Sheridan), Linda Harkness Sexton, Douglas (Andrea) Harkness, Kristen (Patrick) Esparza Hynes and Ryan Esparza; precious grandchildren Hailey Ramos, Noah Harkness, Lucas Harkness, Braden Hynes, Chase Hynes, Lily Esparza, Ruby Esparza and Cruz Esparza.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Hayley Tardio.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Winnebago County 4-H Foundation.

The family would like to extend a “special” thank you to Dr. Leslie Edgecomb, Dr. Harvey Einhorn and the Wound Care Center at Swedish American Hospital.

A service to celebrate Ron’s life will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday April 16, 2015 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park. Visitation for Ron will be Wednesday April 15, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour before services on Thursday. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens.