Ronald “Ron” Ray Wiersema, 78, of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma and Agent Orange exposure.
Ron was born on June 14, 1947, to Dorothy Hook and Arnold “Arnie” Wiersema. One simple evening meeting on a porch led Ron and Laura “Louise” Wiersema to the start of their beautiful love story. The two later married on January 27, 1968, in Hamden, Ohio, while Ron was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base outside of Columbus, OH. They built a life centered around love, laughter, hard work, faith, family, and unwavering commitment to one another.
Ron proudly served his Country in the United States Air Force from December 1, 1968, until his honorable discharge on July 6, 1970. During his time in the Air Force, he worked as a jet engine Mechanic. Following his discharge from the Air Force, Ron and Louise returned home to Morrison, where they became, and continued to be, lifelong members of Ebenezer Reformed Church. Ron devoted himself to his church, acting as Deacon and Elder and singing in the choir for over 20 years. He joined the Morrison American Legion Post #328, where he served in the Color Guard.
After returning home, Ron worked at Frantz Manufacturing in Sterling, IL, before beginning his career with the United States Postal Service. He dedicated 36 years of service before retiring on June 30, 2002. Retirement, however, did not last long. By May 2003, Ron had returned to the Post Office working as a Janitor. If staying busy with work wasn’t enough, Ron also ran the clock for the Jr. High and High School Basketball and Football teams and became a member of the “Chain Gang. He always made time for his Wednesday morning coffee group.
He believed in showing up, working hard, and helping others whenever he could. Whether it was lending a hand to family, helping a friend, fixing something for someone, donating blood, or volunteering at the food bank or local nursing home whenever he was able. Ron was known for always giving back and putting others before himself.
For more than 13 years, Ron battled multiple myeloma with unmatched strength, determination, and grit. Through stem cell transplants, chemotherapy treatments, countless appointments, hospital stays, setbacks, and sickness, he continued to push forward every single day. Ron was a fighter in every sense of the word. He was stubborn in the best way possible, refusing to quit, even during the hardest moments life placed in front of him.
If you knew Ron, you knew he was always moving, always helping, and always finding a way to get things done. He was known for his humor, generosity, and strong work ethic. He loved deeply, cared fiercely for his family, and would do anything for the people he loved. He especially loved his daily walks.
Above everything else, Ron cherished the time he spent with his family. Whether it was sharing stories, joking around, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or simply being surrounded by the people he loved most, those moments meant everything to him.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Louise; children, Melissa (Kevin) Johnson and Lance (Lesa) Wiersema; grandchildren, Taylor, Brenton, Brittney (Robert Cook), Logan, Brooke, Jordan (Whitney Murray), Carter, and Cora (Landon Mohr) Wiersema; great-grandchildren, Ryne, Adrian, Rhett, Anakin, and Odin; sister, Mary (Ron) Pilgrim; brother, Rod (Beth) Wiersema; aunts, Darlene Hook and Dorothy VanZuiden; many extended family members, dear friends, and loved ones who will miss him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Arnold “Arnie” Wiersema.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation and MercyOne Genesis Hospice for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Ron and his family during this difficult time.
A time of Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma- Renkes Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, with Pastor J. T. Bean officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial to Ebenezer Reformed Church and Resthave Nursing Home has been established by the family.
Ron’s strength, determination, kindness, humor, faith, and love for his family will never be forgotten. He fought hard until the very end, and that is exactly how he will be remembered.