Ronald “Ron” Thomas Haubrich
Ronald “Ron” Thomas Haubrich of Quincy, Illinois, died New Year’s Day 2018. Mr. Haubrich was born June 4, 1936 in El Paso, Texas, the son of George W. and Anaise “Nai” Scallan Haubrich. Ron never lost that Texas swagger and lived by an inherited Colorado cowboy philosophy his whole life.
Ron married Bonita “Bonnie” Kelty, the love of his life, on June 14, 1958. Together they lovingly raised a family of five children.
After graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1954, Ron went to work for the family business, P.A.M. Printers, started by his father and his grandfather, G.T. Haubrich. An exacting pressman who built, maintained, and ran several types of presses and bindery machinery, Ron also worked at the print shop as a salesman, ultimately running the business until 2015.
Mr. Haubrich was a man of strong faith, a lifelong Roman Catholic. He was a long time member of St. John the Baptist Parish until it closed in 2006, and then a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish, always at the ready to lector and usher.
Ron was a proud enlistee of the U.S. Naval Reserves. During his time in the Navy, he acquired electrician skills that would serve him throughout his life. In 2014, Ron was accompanied by his grandson, Justin, on the Great River Honor Flight to Washington D.C. With a reverent and stoic spirit, Ron perused our nation’s memorials and monuments, reflecting on all veterans’ sacrifices. His favorite part of the trip was watching the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. He delighted in being a part of this esteemed group of his peers.
An active citizen, Ron served as an Adams County board member and as Supervisor of the Riverside Township. He was also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a dedicated Camp Callahan board member.
He loved children. Whether his own, nieces, nephews, neighbor kids or strangers, Ron would instigate giggles and glee in any kid around.
Ron was a master carpenter and contractor, building several houses, including the two homes where he and Bonnie raised their brood (ASTAM) as well as the “cabin”, fondly referred to as the Promised Land. A large and very extended family was always welcome in Ron and Bonnie’s homes. And there was nothing in those homes he could not fix.
With a solid work ethic, Ron played as hard as he worked. He was a grand adventurer; he loved to spend time and spin tales about scuba diving, snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, boating, fishing with his grandsons, cliff diving, and trail riding.
Idle only when asleep, he was a consummate tinkerer and the life of any party. He was always ready with a tease, a joke, an argument just to get your goat— ready for a race, a dare, an arm wrestling match, a flaming shot (looking at you, Uncle Bucket), making up words and names along the way. He was clever, funny, fun, tough, rarely backed down, and he’d give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. We love him more and miss him mightily.
In addition to his wife, Bonnie, Ron is survived by his five children and their spouses/partners: Ann Haubrich (Art Dwyer) of St. Louis; Sherry Haubrich Ellis (Gary Ellis) of Kansas City; Tim Haubrich (Kristie Bigelow Haubrich) of Quincy; Tony Haubrich (Debby Rhinberger) of Quincy; Mary Haubrich (Chris Livingston) of Kansas City; and Karn Krenz Haubrich of Quincy. Ron and Bonnie also fostered Linda Hendricks Reckers, of Moncks Corner, SC, through her later teen years.
Grandchildren: Wess, Reed, Justin (Michelle), and Aaron (Brittany) Haubrich; Matthew and Nalir Ellis; beloved Lily Livingston Haubrich; and great grandchildren Elijah, Isaiah, and Chase.
He is also survived by three brothers, including his hunting partner, Joe Haubrich (Joan Ritterbush Haubrich) of Quincy, as well as his Aunts, Cree Watermeier of New Orleans and Sister Lucy Scallan of Shreveport, LA; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Zakery Charles Haubrich, and his parents, George and Anaise Haubrich.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Private interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Camp Callahan, Zakery Haubrich Endowed Scholarship or Alzheimers Association.
I was so sorry to hear about Ron. He will be missed up here on Foose Center. I loved taking care of him when working up here. I’ll also miss seeing you guys coming in to visit us. AJ
Bonnie, We are so sorry for your loss.What a beautiful obituary writtten for him. I read it several times . May he be at peace now in his new heavenly home. Jan and “Toot”
Bonnie, Mary, Tony and the rest of the Haubrich family, so sorry about your loss. I hope happy memories bring you all comfort. Thoughts and prayers to you.
To the Haubrich Family:
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Husband, Dad, Brother, and Grandfather. We remember fondly how supportive he was of the Parochial Music Organization and how excited he was with his children’s musical talents and involvement in the instrumental music program. May God bless you and keep you always. You are in our prayers.
Love,
Dan & Pam Sherman
I remember Ron from a long time ago when my family gave him a ride from the keys to Miami. I was a young kid and knew him as “Ronny the Sailor”. That one time meeting stuck with me until now. Sorry to hear about his passing and wish I could of known him better! My condolences to his family and to all of our family members.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We will miss his jokes and jovial spirit. Our condolences to the family. May Ron rest in peace!
Mike & Barb Hutmacher
Dear Bonnie, Sherry and Family,
My deep condolences go out to your family. I remember very clearly riding my bike over to your house and playing and having so much fun. “Mr. Haubrich” was always kidding with us and there was always a lot of laughter going on at your house. We are all so lucky to have been able to spend wonderful time with your family. I’ll never forget those memories. Thank you for those, and know that our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you.
Bonnie and Family, Yes, Ron will be missed by many. We can not imagine a class reunion without Ron reciting something from The Merchant of Venice. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie , i send my condolences to you and your family.Ron was such a JOY to spend time with , i grew Very fond of him ,you and your family . Ron even touched my Husbands heart with his projects we built in his shop , we still have all he let me bring home . Thank you for allowing me to be Ron’s PA ,and your kindness meant so much to me , May GOD Bless you and the rest of Ron’s Loved ones ,~Deanna/Mike
Bonnie & family we are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. I was just thinking of Ron a few days ago, and was wondering how he was doing. Thank you for inviting me into your home, and letting me get to know Ron and your loving family. Ron touched my heart in many ways, and I’ll always cherish the time we spent together. Him & I and many good times together. He was one of my favorite clients. Reast In Peace Ron …Love ~ Dee
Tim, Kristie & entire Huabrich family our deepest sympathy to you all. Prayers for all of you at this tough time.
Bonnie and Family
Sue and I were sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Many good memories of Ron and his good humor.
You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick and Sue McKinney
Bonnie Jack and I are sad to hear of your lose but know that Rod is now at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Let’s keep in touch. Email me.
Bonnie and family – I am so sorry for your loss, I know Ron is at peace with the good Lord. I am sorry I am not able to be there for his services as I am in Florida. I will keep you and your family in my prayers,
Dear Bonnie and family,
Mom and I are praying for you all. Ron was a dear and good man, When we reopened St. Rose church, he offered to make the servers wooden stools for us, and came to many of the masses and celebrations there. So many old stories of his early days at St. Rose, but his heart was always helping others too.
A mass will be said in Feb for the repose of his soul at St. Rose.
Thanks for sharing him with us.
Paul K. Geers and Mary Frances McDowell.
Such wonderful memories of Uncle Ronnie. You will be so missed. Aunt Bonnie, all the cousins & their families, I love you and I am sending prayers your way. Hugs–Kim