6-24-2023 7:32am

Ronald Weckerly of Rockton was a distinguished teacher in the Golden Apple Academy

Michael McGinnis Editor

Ron Weckerly (1947-2023)

Ronald Weckerly, 75, of Rockton, was a teacher for 31 years in the Rockford #205 public schools. Ronald was a six-time nominee to Who’s Who Among American Teachers and one of 430 distinguished teachers in the Golden Apple Academy.

He passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ron was born August 18th, 1947, in Freeport, the son of Vernon E. (“Hop”) and Betty J. (Schmidt) Weckerly. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam. Ronald married Lisa Turner Burrows on August 19, 2007.

Despite undiagnosed ADHD, he graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in sociology and anthropology and a MS in education.

Ron was a published author, an avid Cubs fan, and a member of the American Legion. Ron loved running, biking (outdoors and around the world on his NordicTrack), and hiking. He was known for finding crosses in nature as he walked. He enjoyed a good ice cream sundae, as well as reading and teaching the poetry of Robert Frost. Most of all, Ron was man of deep faith who had a great love for his family and for his dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his godly dog, Bryce; daughters, Heidi (Joe) Weckerly-Berardi and Ginnie (Paul Vella) Weckerly and their mother, Judy (Rick) Pollack; grandchildren, Sophia & Corrine Berardi (Nino DiTusa); sister, Sharon Seitz; nieces Carole Seitz and Valerie Hotchkiss-Silva; brother-in-law, Lon (Deb) Turner and their daughter, Leah Turner; sister-in-law, Lorna (Greg) Cote and their daughter Kreila (Lalo) Najera and their children, Gavin & Thalia; father-in-law, Roger (Anne) Turner; step-brother-in-law, Phil Derouineau (Jeanine Julian); step-sister-in-law, Isabelle Johnson; and Lisa’s special cousins, Tammie (Brad) Erickson and Cinda Current.

He was predeceased by his parents; mother-in-law, Kay Turner; and his dogs, Alice, Millie, Rosie and Ruby.

The family would like to thank the caring staff and volunteers of Northern Illinois Hospice, especially, Nurse Nick; the caring staff at OSF St. Anthony Hospital, especially Dr. Cheng; and the loving people of their “neighborhood family”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford, with Pastor Jay Quinn officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 5:15 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice, Rockford Rescue Mission, Animal House Shelter, or to the family.