Cover photo for Ronald J. Hnatko's Obituary
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1955 Ron Hnatko 2024

Ronald J. Hnatko

June 24, 1955 — October 31, 2024

Rockford

Ronald Joseph Hnatko, formerly of Indianapolis and Chicago, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday October 31, at 10:10 am. 

Ron was born on June 24th, 1955 to Joseph and Harriet Hnatko in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, He went on to work for American Airlines as an airline baggage handler. During his American Airlines career, he held a prominent position as a union shop steward for the TWU. He enjoyed watching Nascar and football and was a big Raider’s fan. He spent hours tinkering away on cars and doing smokey burnouts with his Camaro and Dodge Duster. 

Everyone who knew Ron enjoyed his company and he made everyone laugh. He was a great listener and always put others before himself. He was married to Barbara Hnatko for 25 years. Later he met the love of his life, Kathleen Moran, who he spent the rest of his years with. He loved his dogs Wilson and Tiny Doll Rose. He had many friends and loved his family very much. He talked to his dad every day and was very close with his brother Wayne and his sister Sandy. 

Predeceased by his mother Harriet Hnatko and his cousin Gloria Venet. Survived by his father Joseph Hnatko, his brother Wayne Hnatko and his wife Sophie, and his sister Sandy Guedel and her husband James, his nephew Ryan Guedel and Julie, and his great nephew Cole Guedel. Also survived by his significant other, Kathleen Moran and his stepdaughter, Gretchen Cardenas and her husband David. 

Services will be announced soon on the Legacy memorial page. 

In lieu of flowers, donate to Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter or the veteran charity, K9s for Warriors.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald J. Hnatko, please visit our flower store.

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