RONALD G. HERTTER, SR
Dec 6, 1953 – Feb 19, 2021
Carbondale, IL – On Friday, February 19th, this glorious SOB passed away quickly and quietly despite years of threatening to do the very opposite. He is survived by his wife, Saint Donna, two alleged children, Ron Jr and Jessie (spouses Jamie and Daniel Ball), grandkids Alex, Ethan, and Willow, two siblings, Butch (Louis III) and Susan, and many nieces and nephews and such. He was preceded in death by his parents Gobby (Louis Jr.) and Mary, two siblings, Bill and Shirley, and his right leg.
Ron worked for the City of Carbondale Public Works department until retiring in 2014. Many of his coworkers would say he stopped doing any actual work years before. He also dedicated much of his time to the Carbondale Emergency Services (formerly ESDA) and keeping Pagliai’s Pizza in business.
When he wasn’t leaning on a shovel or eating the House Special, he volunteered for the Makanda Township Fire Department, ultimately retiring as Chief after nearly 30 years. Here he served as mentor and father figure to hundreds of young people, many of whom went on to be career firefighters or medics across the country.
The rest of his free time was spent feeding birds, doting on his pets, watching NASCAR, being confused by technology, and complaining about how things were better “back in his day.”
He was a gruff, sarcastic, grizzly of a man. He was also one of the kindest, most generous people you could ever hope to meet. He was a loving father, devoted husband, and proud Big Papa. A true teddy bear who will be dearly missed.
Per his wishes, there will be no funeral. His cremated remains will be interred on a shelf in the hallway at home with his beloved doggos. A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 25th, from 5-7pm at Walker’s Funeral Home. COVID-19 precautions will be in place. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 10th at 1pm at The Ridge Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Finding Forever Animal Rescue in Ron’s name or stop in at Pag’s and order the House Special.
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