1941
2019
Ronald A. Fode, 78, of Sycamore died Friday, March 8, 2019 at Autumn Leaves Memory Care in St. Charles, IL.He was born Feb. 18, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI to Arnold and Irene Fode. He married Eileen Heil on July 18, 1964. Ronald was a Lutheran School Teacher for grades 3 thru 12, a Church organist and choir director. He volunteered after retirement as a pianist for nursing home devotions and for TAILS Humane Society. He enjoyed gardening and growing plants from seeds. Ronald and Eileen loved to travel and his favorite trip was to Germany where he stood in Wittenberg where Martin Luther preached. Family includes his wife, Eileen; children, Valerie (Gary) Zielinski, David (Cynara) Fode and Laura (Douglas) Ogurek; his grandchildren, Ryan (Bianca) Jennings, Andrea (Luke Scalone) Zielinski, Rachel (Jordan MacQueen) Zielinski, Eric Zielinski, Melinda Fode and Ira Fode; one great granddaughter, River Jennings; his brother, Gordon Fode; two sisters-in-law, Gail Fode and Alice Wickstrom and two nieces and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald Fode. His visitation will be on Sunday, March 10th from 4-7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 33930 N. State Rd., Genoa, IL.60135. His funeral service will be on Monday, March 11th at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Genoa, IL. with Rev. Jeremy Heilman officiating. Graveside services will be on Tuesday, March 12th at 11:30 AM at the Graceland Cemetery, 6401 N. 43rd Street, Milwaukee, WI.Memorials can be made for the Veterans of the Cross Lutheran Chruch, Missouri Synod, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO. 631222-7295. Arrangements are being completed by the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 Dekalb Ave.,Sycamore, IL. To sign the online guest book go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gerald Hall
March 17, 2019
My deepest of condolences and sympathies go out to the Fode family. To have both Mr. & Mrs. go to be with Jesus within such a short time is dumbfounding. I am glad they are in paradise, but I pray for the peace of their children and grandchildren.
As my parents were close to the Fodeseven sharing a house, though that was before I was bornso they and their 3 kids were mainstays of my childhood. Mr. Fode was my childhood church's organist and I can still picture him in the balcony before the keys and all those silver pipes. I recall my father once diving into our house's crawlspace and bringing up bottles of dandelion wine he and Mr. Fode had made. (I don't know if they ever drank it or not, though.)
But, perhaps, my most favorite memory of Mr & Mrs is when I joined them on a tour of Italy in the summer of 2000. We were a small group, my parents, me, and some other friends & folks, but we all laughed heartily, ate gluttonously, and awed at the art and architecture. I recall Mr. Fode and I both loved seeing what relics were housed at the various churches and cathedrals, perhaps the best being wood purportedly from the Christ child's manger.
I was glad I got to see both of them a few years ago when my wife, son, and I spent a year in Milwaukee. They both smiled exactly how I remembered them.
They were wonderful people and they will be dearly missed.
-Benjamin
Benjamin Chandler
March 16, 2019
My deepest condolences for your family's loss. May the God of all comfort bring you peace and hope during these difficult times. (Jeremiah 29:11)
AC
March 14, 2019
Love you, missing you already. :)
Andrea Zielinski
March 11, 2019
Wish I was able to attend. My thoughts go out to your family.
Larry McKenzie
Family
March 11, 2019
Brenda Hall-Bronaugh
Student
March 11, 2019
A great music teacher and visionary. He made my LHSS (86-90) music experience a beautiful journey. Dawn Robinson
March 10, 2019
Fond memories of Mr. Fode at LHSS. Blessings and peace to the family, Michelle (Hildreth) Poitevint '81
Michelle Hildreth-Poitevint
Student
March 9, 2019
Luther South class of 1984
Mr. Fode was my music teacher. You walked into his class not understanding music however you left knowing everything about music.
Sonji Nicholas
Student
March 9, 2019
a loved one
March 9, 2019
While I am unable to attend services, I will be there in spirit ,next to my loving family alice ,kelly and Larry . Rick wickstrom
Rick Wickstrom
Family
March 9, 2019
Eileen and family, Ron was such a wonderful husband, father and friend. The twinkle in his eye when he ran into someone and said hello and starting chatting will be forever missed.
March 9, 2019
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Funeral services provided by:
Butala Funeral Home & Crematory - Sycamore1405 Dekalb Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178
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