Ronald Earl Newman

Ronald Earl Newman, a life long resident of Zion, Illinois passed away on November 26, 2015. Born on May 11, 1940, he was raised in Toddville, Iowa by his grand-parents, Ivan and Vera Oliphant. He graduated in 1958 from Alburnett High School, Alburneft, Iowa. Married to Judy Wassmer from 1957 to 1968. He was employed by Downey Box Company and farmed in Iowa. Ron married Dee Ann Fuller in 1969 and they relocated in Zion, Illinois with his employment for Champion International Box company. Ron became a licensed Realtor and enjoyed a successful career In the NE Lake County. He received his real estate broker's license and opened his own office, Cornerstone Realty on Sheridan Road. He acquired rental property and began to build homes. He became involved in the community with membership in the Shriner's International, Anchor & Ark Masonic Lodge #1027, Winthrop Harbor Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, participated in many local/city events and fundraisers, plus coaching youth little league baseball. He continued to accumulate farm land in Iowa. The R & R Crossing Saloon, Russell, Illinois was opened in 1981. Enjoying 30+ years of outstanding business, it continues today with many loyal patrons. Ron's hobbies include hunting, fishing on Lake Michigan, horseback riding, golf and trips to Palm Springs, Calif. Meeting people and collecting friends was effortless. Ron is survived by Dee Ann, wife of 46 years; his Labrador, Lady; his three children, Ronda Smith of Orange, CA, Rodney Newman of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Brenda Newman (Mark) Lawler of Wadsworth, IL; his four step-children, Mike (Heather) Fuller of Robins, IA; Laurie (Mark) Woods of Anamosa, IA Denise (Dave) Kack of Springville, IA, and Steve Fuller of Central City, IA. He leaves eighteen grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He leaves his half-sisters, Denise (Bill) Kovaleski and Deena (Rodney) Moyle; his half-brother, Max Newman; and his step-mother, Maggie Newman of Toddville, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his half-brother Bill Newman. The family asks that in lieu of flower or gifts, please donate to the "Save A Pet" 31664 N Fairfield Rd, Grayslake, Ill. or "Last Hope" animal shelter 1823 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 www.adopthope.org/donate A visitation will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 from 10:00 until 1:00 p.m. at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.