Ronald L. Weger

Ronald L. Weger, 80, of Robinson, IL, passed away on October 5, 2024. Born on April 3, 1944, in Clay City, IL, Ron was the son of Millard & Maggie (Higgins) Weger. From the moment he could talk, he was quick with a story, a witty line, or an ornery grin. As one of seven children, he learned early how to stand out—his humor and personality were larger than life, just like the tall tales he loved to tell.

Ron graduated from Robinson High School in 1962 and soon after answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Air Force. He became a trusted chauffeur for several generals, a role he carried with the same pride and commitment he brought to everything he did. His time in the service shaped him, but his heart always belonged at home—to his beloved Bonnie, whom he married on May 31, 1964, and to the daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who followed. Their daughters—Angie (Mike) Reinoehl of Robinson, IL and Ami (Chuck) Samuels of Nashville, TN—were the light of his life, and his grandchildren—Dustin (Rachel) Reinoehl, Brandon (Skylar) Samuels, and Nick Samuels, and great-grandchildren Harper, Brody, and Reese Reinoehl—were his pride and joy. Ron's family remembers him as a provider and protector, a man who cared so deeply that he worried about them until his final breath. Whether he was slipping a half-dollar to his great-grandkids or making sure his family was set for the future, he showed his love in the way he looked after those he treasured most.

But Ron was more than just a family man. He was a master storyteller, a crack shot, and the quickest wit in the room. He could make anyone laugh with his colorful expressions—like, "Here comes a whirly gust of woodpeckers!" or "I'll knock all the monkeys out of your family tree!"—and his legendary tales about fishing or shooting, which grew with each retelling. For Ron, a 5-pound fish caught years ago had easily doubled in size by the time you heard about it over a beer at the Legion. His grandson Dustin put it best: "My grandpa loved to tell tall tales. You knew there was always some truth, but the magic was in the embellishment. That was his mystique." He was surely known for his storytelling at Marathon, where he spent 32 years working as a heavy equipment operator and in the garage and tool room. His knack for public speaking led to numerous speaking engagements for the refinery and at countless veterans ceremonies, where he reminded everyone of the values he held dear—honor, duty, and pride in his country.

His humor often turned heads, but his heart was even bigger than his punchlines. Ron loved deeply—his country, his family, and his friends at the Elks, the Moose, and the American Legion. He served seven terms as commander of Legion Post #69, always finding ways to give back. His love for American Legion baseball and his work on the Honor Guard showed his unwavering devotion to his fellow veterans and his community. Ron was a man of wisdom—both practical and profound. His memory was sharp, and his life experiences made him a wellspring of advice. Whether you needed to know how to play a hand of Euchre, clean a gun, or understand a bit more about life, Ron always had something valuable to share.

As true a marksman as he was a dedicated teacher, Ron's love for guns was as steady as his aim. A lifelong hunter and respected trap shooter, he once placed 7th at the Grand National Trap Shoot. Eager to share his knowledge, Ron volunteered to teach hunter safety courses to anyone willing to learn, and he passed down his skills to his grandsons, showing them how to handle guns, sharpen knives, and find the best fishing spots. His love for the outdoors and the art of shooting led him to join the Eastern Illinois Sportsman's Club and serve as president of the Gordon Gun Club. He was also a proud member of the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250 and the Robinson American Legion Post #69, where he served on the house committee and was elected post commander seven times. Through the Legion, he honored his fellow veterans as part of the Honor Guard. Ron’s commitment to his community also extended to his service as Robinson-Palestine Water Commissioner, ensuring his neighbors were cared for with the same dedication he brought to every aspect of his life.

At home, he enjoyed watching Gunsmoke, the Little League World Series, and golf, especially when Scotty Scheffler was on. Every March, you'd find him glued to the TV, watching his beloved Illini basketball team compete in March Madness. A conservative to his core, Ron loved America the way only a country boy could. Ron's values were simple: hard work, loyalty, self-reliance, and an unwavering respect for family and freedom. He believed in standing up for what's right, helping your neighbor when needed, and always speaking with honesty, never being afraid to say what needs to be said.

Ron's voice may have quieted, but his stories—some tall, some true—will live on, passed down by the people who loved him. As Ron would have said, echoing his favorite John Wayne, "A man's got to have a code, a creed to live by." We find comfort in knowing our world is a better place because Ron Weger lived by his.

Ron and Bonnie shared nearly 50 years of marriage before her passing in 2014, and he was also preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Maxine (Ray) Legg, Georgia (Charles) Lackey, Mildred (Emmerson) Trout, Dorothy (Donald) Inboden, Ada (Sammie) Bickers, and Donald Weger; and several extended family members. He is survived by his daughters, their families, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9th, at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 10th, officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine. During the service, friends and family will be given the opportunity to share their favorite (appropriate) stories of this beloved man. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Ron will be laid to rest in the Robinson New Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Air Force, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions can be made to either the "Robinson American Legion" for their Honor Flight Fund or the "Illinois Elks Children's Care" program.