Ronald Happach

Ronald “Ron” Henry Happach of Sheffield, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Liberty Village in Princeton, with his wife by his side.

Ron was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1933, and was a son of the late Bernard M. and Mildred (Holiger) Happach. He attended Spalding High School, where he excelled at Golden Gloves boxing and football. After high school, he joined the United States Marines from 1951 to 1955, and served in the Korean War. He returned from the war and attended Bradley University, playing football, and, in 1985, he was inducted to Bradley University Athletics Hall of Fame. He earned a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1958 and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1971.

While at Bradley he met his wife, St. Francis nursing student, Lorraine (Beyn), and they married on June 2, 1956. Like good Catholics, they had six children in nine years, Ronald (Rhonda) Happach, Jeff (Shari) Happach, Paul (Polly) Happach, Regina (Monsoor) Mojarab, Mat (Janelle) Happach and Amy (Rich) Cambron. Ron and Lorraine have 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Career: Project engineer, Scheld Bantam, Waverly, Iowa, 1958-1963; project engineer, Hon Industries, Muscatine, Iowa, 1963-1965; works manager, Barcol Overdoor, Sheffield, Illinois, 1965-1971; professor industrial management, Sauk Valley Community College, Dixon, Illinois, 1971-2000; AmeriCorps Volunteer 2011-2017.

Ron was dedicated to his community and his church throughout his entire time living in Sheffield. To recognize all his contributions would exhaust the capabilities of this obituary. He was a very humbled man and never looked for recognition and took joy in helping people. He had a firm faith in God and gave all glory and honor to God.

He loved being with family, but his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He created special bonds with each one and instilled lasting memories.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Bernard C. Happach; and James R. Happach. He has one surviving sister, Sandra (Jerry) Lewis.

A celebration of life is planned for June 22, 2024, in Sheffield. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, as Ron gave to them all, or Lewy Body Dementia Association at https://www.lbda.org. Stackhouse-Moore Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.stackhousemoore.com.