Ronald "Ron" Martin Espig

Ronald “Ron” Martin Espig, 89, passed away in Rockford, IL on Sat. September 24, 2022.

Ron was born Nov 3, 1932, to Martin and Amalie (Halper) Espig. The son of immigrant parents, he was proud to be an American. 

He served in the Korean war as a member of the Hq Battalion 780th Field Artillery from 1953-1954. Ron was honorably discharged on February 11, 1961, receiving a Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, a Bronze Service Star, and the Korean Presidential Unit Certification. Ron was a proud veteran and would enthusiastically share stories from his service, from eating S.O.S. and fertilizing rice patties with latrines, to laughing at the memory of not knowing how to take off his gas mask during training. 

After the war, he attended the Chicago City Junior College where he earned an Associate’s degree in tool and die design in 1957. Ron was a tool and die designer at Beltone and Zenith in Chicago and finished his career at C.R. Industries in Elgin. He enjoyed going out, and met the love of his life, Shirley Glowacki, while out dancing. The two wed at St. Edward’s Church in Chicago, IL on February 20, 1960. Together they had three children. 

Ron loved his family— he worked hard to be a provider, was always in the midst of a “Honey-Do” list for his wife, and was happy to let his wife and children raise all sorts of critters to their hearts’ content. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, which included teaching his son the ins and outs of cars and helping his daughters get their pets ready for the fair. 

He had a sharp sense of humor and a mean Donald duck impression, smoked a cigar on Sundays, and was an amateur guitarist and singer. Even after marriage, Ron still loved to dance with his wife, and after retiring he took her out to lunch every day. 

Ron enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, taking them out to eat, and bringing them to the zoo and apple orchards. 

Ron will be remembered for his gregarious personality, sharp sense of humor, and his love for his family. 

He is missed by his wife of 62 years, Shirley, his children, Sharon (Jeff) Fessler, Stephanie (Doug) Jarvela, and Ronnie (Lisa) Espig, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.

He is welcomed into eternal life by his parents, Martin and Amalie Espig, sisters Ruth, Margaret, and Loretta, son-in-law, Jeff Fessler, and all the heavenly hosts and angels in heaven. 

A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, October 14th at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 206 E Front St. Harvard, IL 60033, with inurnment to follow at Mt. Auburn cemetery. 

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at saundersmcfarlin.net

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more info at 815-943-5400.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.