Ronald Richard Ziolkowski

December 17, 1944 – June 27, 2024

Ronald Richard Ziolkowski was born in Chicago, Illinois, December 17, 1944 to Bernice Mary Karpinski and Chester Edward Ziolkowski. Ron was the second oldest of five children. After losing his father at a very young age, Ron, at age 17, helped raise his younger siblings. He married the love of his life Ann Catherine Wientczak on October 16, 1965. He and his cousins Herbie and Henry, did not want to be drafted so they voluntarily joined the United States Marine Corps and he left for Boot Camp October 26th, 10 days after marrying his bride. Together, they had three amazing children. Both Deborah Ann and Elisa Christine were born 15 months apart on the Marine Corps base 29 Palms in San Bernardino, California. They were Blessed with a son, Christopher Anthony 8 years later. After serving in the Marine Corps, they moved back to Chicago where Ron went to the police Academy and served on the Harvey Police Department for 19 years. At age 40 he took the leap of faith and resigned from Harvey to move out to Peotone, Illinois and continue being a police officer for the Will County Sheriff’s Department. In the later years of his career he recognized that he loved educating and working with children as a D.A.R.E. Officer. Ron was the guy that could build or fix anything. No job was too difficult as long as you had duct tape, a hammer and family to help. Together, he built a cabin in Adams – Friendship, Wisconsin with his wife and siblings and created many years of memories: snow and water skiing, fishing, New Year’s and year-round parties, many games of pinochle and spoons, and he even played paintball. Being a young parent had many advantages, he did not hesitate to teach them anything. He taught them to camp, change a tire and be resourceful with what you have. Waste not, Want not was his mantra. Ron worked extremely hard to provide for his family often working two or three jobs to provide the best life possible. Peotone also brought many memories of holiday parties, playing volleyball, swimming and sitting around the bonfire reminiscing. The country was where he belonged, his 10 acres and many trees were his paradise. Debbie married John in 1992 and Elisa married Chuck in 1994 and he loved his son-in-law’s especially because they gave him five incredible grandchildren: Nathan James (wife Taylor) Kijowski, Charles Brandon Krcilek, Christian Alexander Krcilek, Zackary Anthony (fiancé Emma) Kijowski, and Nicole Ann Kijowski. He was incredibly proud of all of them. He is survived by his wife, daughters and siblings: Ed (Fran), Gene (Fran), Pat (Bill) Mikolajczak and Larry (Jean). He also is survived by his furry pets: Nikita, Dooley and Alice. Many others were waiting for him up in Heaven. He lost his son Christopher, November 2, 2017. His health declined so he and Ann moved to Arizona and would travel back to visit Peotone as often as possible. He spent the last several years of his life, enjoying retirement as best as he could. He enjoyed many visits from his favorite sister, Pat and Bill and Ann’s favorite sister, Maggie and Mark. One might say he mellowed out over time and he and Ann were a big compliment to one another. When she fell ill two years in a row and ended up in rehab he never missed one day to visit and be with her. His loyalty, his love, and appreciation for her were unparalleled. Ron’s work here on earth was done June 27, 2024. He left this world gracefully and finally free of pain; holding Ann’s hand squeezing it as hard as he could and slipped away. “Ann, I’ll wait for you in the car”. Chris was waiting for him on the other side, we know this because he was verbally talking to him a few days before he passed. Rest in Peace Dad, you fought the good fight now you can rest easy. ❤️
Memorials may be made to the Warrior Reunion Foundation, C/O Elisa Krcilek Mountain View Funeral Home 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85120.

Visitation Friday July 5, 2024 12:30pm – 1pm
Service begins at 1pm
Live stream will begin at 12:30pm

Ronald R Ziolkowski Live Stream

Donations for Warrior Reunion Foundation