Ronald "Ron" Kawanna, Sr. died at home on November 11, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He died on Veterans Day.

Ron was born in Harvey, IL on October 5, 1934, to Mary (Oblak) Kawanna and Stanley Kawanna Sr. Ron graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey in 1953. Ron worked for Acme Steel Company in Riverdale for 36 years as a union Millwright.

In 1954, Ron volunteered for the US Army and proudly served during the Korean War. Ron spent time in Okinawa, Japan, and Korea.

Ron married Sandi (Head) Kawanna in 1956 and they had one child, Ronald Jr. Ron had one granddaughter, Kristi (Kawanna) Havener.

Ron enjoyed spending time with family, friends, his beloved dogs, fishing, boxing, sportsman's clubs, music, gardening, and all Chicago sports teams.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sandi; son Ron Kawanna, (Jane); granddaughter Kristi Kawanna-Havener (Tyler); brother-in-law Gerald Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Mary (Oblak) Kawanna and father, Stanley Kawanna Sr.; sister, Patricia (Kawanna) Garbacz and brother-in-law, Chester Garbacz; brother, Stanley (Mary) Kawanna; brother, Walter (Frieda) Kawanna; sister-in-law, Helen Johnson; sister-in-law, Donna Beushausen and brother-in-law, Gilbert Beushausen; daughter-in-law, Nancy Kawanna; niece, Jerilyn Johnson; godson, Daniel Ross Kawanna; nephew Glenn Beushausen; his grandparents; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A funeral mass and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bradley, IL beginning at 10 AM.