Ronald Wiertz, 91, of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, December 23, 2024.

Born on December 18, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Alma and Henry Wiertz, Ron graduated from Austin High School in 1952. In 1956, he was drafted into the United States Navy, serving two years of active duty aboard the USS Boston, a guided missile cruiser that sailed the Caribbean, South America, and Mediterranean. He continued his service in the Naval Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1962. Ronald pursued higher education later in life, earning an associate’s degree from the College of DuPage and a bachelor’s degree in business from Upper Iowa University.

Ronald enjoyed a successful 42-year career in sales and marketing with Motorola before retiring in 1994. He married Eileen (Haberkamp) Wiertz on September 17, 1960, after meeting through mutual friends. Together they shared a loving 42-year marriage, raising three children and welcoming two grandchildren before Eileen’s passing from breast cancer in 2002. In 2004, Ronald married Betty Knapstein. Together they shared a fulfilling 20-year marriage filled with travel and family time.

A man of many interests, Ronald was an avid car racing fan who attended the Indianapolis 500 and races at the Michigan International Speedway. He also enjoyed baseball—particularly cheering for the Chicago Cubs—radio hobbies, and model trains. Known for his remarkable handyman skills, he built garages, sheds, and even finished his children’s basements. His Catholic faith was important to him, attending weekly services until his passing. In the early 1980s, Ronald and Eileen purchased a trailer at Woodsmoke Ranch near Seneca, Illinois, where they enjoyed weekend retreats. During his retirement years, he spent winters in Frostproof, Florida.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents Alma and Henry Wiertz and his first wife Eileen Wiertz. He is survived by his second wife Betty Knapstein; three children: Donald (Maria) Wiertz, Carole Stone, and Steven (Debbie) Wiertz; as well as his two granddaughters: Katherine Stone and Lisa (Nicholas) Stone-Bury.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

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