Ronald L. Gittleson, 80 of Steward, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at
Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL after a short illness. He was born on June 30, 1930 in Aurora, IL, the son of Harvey and Edna (Tounshendeau) Gittleson. In 1948 he graduated from Big Rock High School. During the Korean War, he served in the US Army and was discharged in 1953. On Dec. 22, 1956 in Compton, IL, Ron married Berniece Truckenbrod and she preceded him in death on Sept. 24, 1992. From 1948 to 2008, he farmed in Lee County, near Steward. Ron married Donna Roberts Knetsch on Nov. 20, 1993 in Steward, IL. Member and trustee at Steward United Methodist Church and also a trustee for Reynolds Township and board member of Lee County Pork Producers.

Preceding him in death were his father, mother and wife Berniece. He enjoyed flying, woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife: Donna of Steward; son: Larry (Julie) Gittleson of Steward,
and daughter: Judy (Doug) Hendrickson of Steward; stepsons: Henry Knetsch of Steward
and Jim Knetsch of Steward; stepdaughters: Karen (Jim) Maliszewski of Rockford, Kim (Jeff) Munson of Dixon; grandchildren: Natalie, Sophie, Isaac and Carter Gittleson; step grandchildren: Jana and Jake
Maliszewski, Kristie Knetsch, Ben, Emily and Josh Knetsch; and Evan, Kaelyn and Madalyn
Munson; step great grandchildren: Kaiden and Kaleb Gomez; brothers: Vernon (Nancy) Gittleson of Franklin Grove and Leon (Bev) Gittleson of Ashton.

Services will be held at Steward United Methodist Church with Rev. Vaughn Peterson
on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. Visitation at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, in Rochelle on Thursday, March 17 from 4 to 7 PM. Burial at Trinity Memory Gardens. Memorials to Steward United Methodist Church or Flagg Rochelle Public Library.