Ronald Warren Malmberg, 95, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Born on May 10, 1929, in Rockford, the son of Leslie and Thora (Lundeen) Malmberg and predeceased by his wife, Donna Lee Marie (Johnson) Malmberg and his sisters, Jean Anderson and Janice Ekedahl.
Ron was a graduate of Rockford East High School, Class of 1946. A proud "Swede," Ron had a love for both his heritage and his country. Upon graduation, Ron joined the United States Marine Corps and after an honorable discharge graduated from Lake Forest College. Ron married Donna Lee Marie Johnson on May 16, 1953, and spent the next 71 years by her side, building a family and splitting their time between Rockford and Florida.
Ron lived a life full of diverse talents and accomplishments. Ron had a successful business career as the Sales Manager for Smith Oil Corporation and served 8 years as an alderman for Rockford. Finding that he enjoyed civic duty, Ron retired from Smith Oil and served the rest of his professional career as the Finance Director for the City of Rockford. Ron was an avid golfer and spent countless hours on the greens, enjoying the sport and the company it brought him. When not playing across multiple golf leagues, including The Preserve Golf Club of Bradenton, FL and Elliot, Sandy Hollow, and The Ledges in the Rockford area, he could usually be found watching golf with a cocktail in hand.
Ron's greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his friends & family and was always there to offer guidance, support, and encouragement. He was a dutiful son, devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. Ron will be remembered for his big heart, easy-going and warm spirit, sociable nature, hard-working demeanor, and a steadfast dedication which he showed in every aspect of his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
Ron is survived by his loving family; daughter, Kathy (Michael) LeBeau; son, Kirk (Missy) Malmberg; grandchildren, Ryan (CJ) McKellen, Megan McKellen, Michelle Malmberg, and Chris Malmberg; and great-grandson, Liam McKellen - all of whom will miss him dearly.
A private service will be held for immediate family members. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St.,
Rockford, IL 61107.
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