Ronnie W. Strait

Ronald “Ronnie” W. Strait, 72, of Union, was a great and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was born on September 1, 1948 in El Dorado, Kansas to the late Frank and Lucille Strait (nee Welch) and passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on February 15, 2021.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Tracy; sister, Linda (Jim) Theriault of Flagler Beach, FL; sister, Pat (Charlie) Clemmons of Morris, IL; brother, Greg Strait of Morris, IL; daughter, Torey (Scott) Oleniczak of Mundelein, IL. Ron will also be fondly remembered by his only grandchild, Rylan Oleniczak (“You are My Sunshine”); many nieces, nephews and cousins; and special dog companion, “Sadie.”

Ron was a veteran and served in the Vietnam War with the 101 ^st Airborne Division (“Screaming Eagles”) 1 ^st Battalion, 506th Infantry, and The “Big Red One.”

During his service, he received several medals and commendations, including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross W/Palm, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman (M-14), Expert (M-16), Sharpshooter (M-60), and CMBT INF Badge.

Ron graduated Morris Community High School in 1967 and attended trade school. He was also a member of the Carpenters Union Local 916 for 25 years. Ron loved his work and coworkers and retired in 2016.  He was an exceptionally talented woodworker and generously enjoyed working on projects for others.

Ron was an avid sports fan, rooting for his favorite teams Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Kansas Jayhawks. But most importantly, he thoroughly enjoyed watching his grandson play sports.  He was known by many at the baseball fields as “Super Fan,” seeing that he was at every game cheering and using his “iconic” whistling for Rylan and teammates.

The legacy of Ron’s kind spirit with the biggest smile, thoughtfulness, and zest of life will live on in all whom knew him. He made an impact on those he came in contact with and he will be missed, but not forgotten.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held on June 12, 2021 at 1:00pm at the IBEW Local 176 Union Hall, 1100 NE Frontage Road, Joliet, IL 60431.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Veterans Affairs, www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/