Ronald Henry Medema, passed away on Tuesday, May 9th peacefully in his sleep at the age of 84. He was recently diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer and we feel fortunate that he did not have to fight this ugly battle for too long.
He was born on April 6, 1939 in Chicago and raised in Elmhurst by his now deceased parents Andrew and Alvera Medema. He was a charismatic youngster and, in his teens, he met the love of his life, Donna Mae (Smith) Medema at the Yorkfield Presbyterian Church choir. They had just celebrated 65 years of a wonderful and happy marriage in March. Ron was a hard-working man and always was a strong role model for all of us that got to know and love him. He served his Elmhurst community as a fire fighter and lieutenant for 34 years. He was a proud man and achieved so much. We loved to listen to his stories and life experiences. He instilled family values and had unconditional love for all of us. We were fortunate to have our Paw Paw Lake house (for 40 years now) where so many of his family and friends made memories skiing, boating, fishing and snowmobiling. We will cherish these memories and know that we are blessed and will continue to make more memories. We are heartbroken with this loss. His strength as the leader of our family will be missed immensely.
Ron is survived by his wife Donna and their three children Debbie (Terry) Loome, Cathy (Todd) Camm and Michael (Gena) Medema. In addition to his wife and children, Ron is survived by his grandchildren Megan (Zachary Behrman) Marrs, Christopher (Abigail) Stevens, Ryan (Brittany) Marrs, Stephanie (Michael) Devaney, Sydney (soon to be husband Michael Despinich) Medema, Layne Medema, and Drew Medema.
Great grandchildren, Zoey Behrman, Conley Marrs, Olly Marrs, Makenzie Behrman, Emma Devaney, Makayla Devaney, soon to be Bennett Stevens.
Brothers Richard (Patricia) Medema, Raymond (Mary) Medema, step-grandchildren Katherine Camm, Nathaniel Camm, Patrick (Melissa) Loome and Kara Grimes, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations for a First Responders Memorial Project near Fire Station # 2, can be sent to Elmhurst Fire Department, 209 N. York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for Sunday, June 11 from noon until 3:00 at the Sugar Creek Golf Course, 500 E. Van Buren Street, Villa Park, IL 60181.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Duffield & Pastrick Funeral Home, Coloma.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Sugar Creek Golf Course
Sunday, June 11, 2023
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
500 E. Van Buren Street
Villa Park, IL 60181
Posted On: Thursday, May 11, 2023 4:32 PM
