Ronald Francis Altherr's Obituary
Ronald Francis Altherr, 96, passed away in his home on June 4, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Ron lived a long and full life grounded in love, laughter, and adventure.
Born May 22, 1929, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Herbert and Edna (Laudeman) Altherr, Ron developed a deep and lifelong love for the Cincinnati Reds thanks to the influence of a cherished Uncle. His early years were filled with baseball, family, and boyhood memories before his family moved to Champaign, Illinois.
Ron attended Champaign High School, where one fateful evening at a school dance, he met Gwen Drollinger-the love of his life. She was taken with his “curly red hair” and he was captivated by her “beautiful big brown eyes”. That spark led to 73 years of marriage, a remarkable partnership that lasted until Gwen’s passing in 2022.
Ron and Gwen built their life together in Decatur, Illinois, where Ron worked as a skilled meatcutter for Kroger for over 4 decades. Known for his work ethic and dedication, he provided for his family with a quiet strength and pride.
In Retirement, Ron fully embraced life’s adventures. He and Gwen golfed in nearly all 50 states and he never passed up a chance to ride a roller coaster-the bigger and faster, the better! Together with Gwen navigating, he explored the U.S., Mexico, and Canada in their RV, skillfully maneuvering it through every turn and stop. For many years they wintered in Mission, Texas, forming friendships that spanned continents.
Ron’s joy for life was contagious. He valued his friends deeply, cherished family gatherings, and was always ready with a joke, story or a smile.
He is survived by his children: Kathleen (Mike) Lowery, Steve (Kathy) Altherr, Jane (Ron) Blankenship, Tim (Patricia) Altherr; his grandchildren: Seth (Shauna), Evan (Anina), Jordan (Abby), Erik (Lorena), Jared (Cindy), Kristin (Mike), Derek (Anne), Ross (Gabby), Ryan, and Christopher and several great-grandchildren who will grow up with the stories and love he left behind.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Gwen, son Michael, and 2 grandsons.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. , followed by the Mass.
In his final conversation with his son, Steve, Ron shared “If I die tomorrow, I’d be okay with it. I’ve lived a long, full life, did the things I wanted, raised children I’m proud of. There’s only one thing: I really miss your mom. So when that day comes, be happy for me. I’ll have everything”.
Indeed, Ron now has everything.
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