Ronald "Ron" A. Ortberg

Ronald A. Ortberg, 91, of Rockford, IL passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022, in the home he built in 1954, with his sons by his side. He was born January 25, 1931 in Rockford, IL the second son to Albin and Florence Ortberg. Ron married Darlene (Bruell), the love of his life, on December 5, 1953 in Rochelle, IL. Ron served in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees from 1949 – 1953 where he learned the refrigeration and air conditioning trade. He became a member of Local 23 Plumber Pipefitters and Refrigeration Fitters and retired in 1994. He was a lifelong member of Our Master’s United Methodist Church.

Ron spent many summers at Lake Mills with friends and family. He loved fixing things and having coffee with the guys. If he was not working on a project at home or helping with some home project for his sons, he was in the garage restoring his Model A. Ron’s first restoration was a 1947 Willys Jeep with his son Craig (deceased). He went on to restore a 1936 Chevy and two Ford Models As. Ron and Darlene were proud members of the Rockford A’s Model A Club. His sons Rick and Dale said his life could be summed up simply by saying “The world is a better place because he was in it”. Ron loved his grandsons. In his last days his biggest joy was seeing his great grandson, Austin.

Ron is survived by his two sons, Rick (Lori) and Dale (Brenda) Ortberg; grandsons, Nathan Ortberg and Jake (Shelly) Ortberg; great grandson, Austin Ortberg and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife, Darlene; beloved son, Craig; parents, Albin and Florence Ortberg; brothers, Marvin and John Ortberg.

Graveside service will be Monday, March 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Ron to a charity of your choice. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.