ROCHELLE — Ronald Henry Schabacker, 87, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at his home in Rochelle, Illinois.  Ron was born on July 22, 1937 to Conrad and Frieda (Felgenhauer) Schabacker in Flagg Center, IL.   On September 17, 1966, he married Gail Ettner in Elgin, IL.  

Ron was a farmer first and foremost, but he worked for 22 years at Northern Illinois University in the Building Services Department.  He loved volunteering at the Rochelle Food Pantry for many years and thoroughly enjoyed the three years of being a cross guard for St. Paul Lutheran School. Seeing the kids was always a highlight. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle.  Ron loved listening to gospel and country music.  His family lovingly refers to him as a stubborn man who was always up for a good “debate”.

Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gail of Rochelle; two children: Amy (Kenneth) Bartle of Oswego, IL and Mark (Susan) Schabacker of Rockford, IL; two granddaughters: Abby Bartle and Autumn (Albert) Miller; and his beloved dog, Tula.

In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by a stillborn daughter in 1967 and two brothers and sisters-in-law: Carl (Lu) Schabacker and Conrad (Carolyn) Schabacker.

The visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 23, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Avenue, Rochelle.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., Friday with Pastor Michael Wolff officiating.  Burial is at Flagg Center Cemetery with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the Army Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made in Ron’s memory to the Frieda Pickreign & Jane Reineck Fund. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.