Ronald "Ron" Joseph Winn Sr., 76, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 25th 2024, quite literally surrounded by the family he adored and by who he was equally adored.  Ron was born September 13, 1947 in Tuscola, IL.

He grew up working hard on the Winn family farm and eventually attended Tuscola High School where he met the love of his life in study hall.  His wife of 54 years, Rebecca J. Winn, preceded him in death on June 3, 2021.

Ron graduated with the Tuscola High School Class of '65 and spent a short time at Southern Illinois University before enlisting with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and Tech School at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL.

On August 13, 1966 he married Rebecca J. Alexander of Tuscola and they moved to California where Ron was stationed as a B-52 Crew Chief at Mather's Air Force Base in Rancho Cordova.  In 1969, he and Rebecca and Ronald J. Winn Jr. moved back to Tuscola where they devoted themselves to the Winn Family farm and raising the family that would only continue to grow.

September 13, 1947 – March 25, 2024.  Everyone always says that what you do with the "dash" between those dates is what matters.  There were difficult times, but Dad filled in every bit of his with love and devotion to his God, his country, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren and his work.  A true American provider, there was no man on earth harder working than him.  He never let his family want or need for anything.  Ask anyone who knew him and they will tell you, he was quick with his wit and slow with his temper, he was an easy-going man full of love for many things.  Ask anyone who just met him and they will tell you he could make you feel like you have known him all your life.  Loving, caring, unselfish, funny and entertaining to the very end.

He is survived by his three children, Ronald J. Winn Jr. (Carol) of Tuscola, Jody Winn of Champaign and Katrina Kohlbecker (Paul) of Rotonda West, FL, five grandchildren, Kori J. Winn, Emily K. Winn, Daniel B. Pearce, Carly E. Vines and Nathan J. Pearce, five great-grandchildren, Jaxen Hites, Ashton York, Maddox Warmoth, Maverick Wilsey and Remi Warmoth.  Special daughter and family friend, Juli Trumbull.  His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and his joy.

To quote a long-time family friend, "He's too good of a man not to share him with someone else.  Too much love in him not to be able to share it."   He is also survived by his fiancé, Pat Morrow of Tuscola, who loved and was loved enough to stay to the very end and will forever remain a part of our family.

Our dad taught us a lot of things in the years that we knew him and we expected to learn so many more in the years to come.  But in the last hour of his life, he taught us the most important things.  As we circled around him he taught us to be concerned more with the needs of others than with our own, he was selfless.  He begged us to hold no grudges against one another, he was forgiving.   He knew he was going home to Jesus, he taught us to be faithful and unafraid.

We'll see you again someday, Dad/Grandpa.

Love always, your Knuckleheads and Dip Sticks.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com