Dr. Ronald Michael Stanczak

On October 21st, 2024, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Ronald Michael Stanczak, passed away peacefully, on his 84th birthday. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Bruno and Cecelia, brother William and sister Susan Everett. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Popit) Stanczak of 60 years and their three children, Michael Stanczak, Amy McKernan (Peter) and Mark Stanczak (Amy) and eight grandchildren.
Ron was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Cecila (Szwedo) Stanczak and Bruno William Stanczak. He grew up in North Chicago and attended Holy Rosary Grade School, North Chicago High School (Class of 1958) and Loras College (Class of 1962). He graduated from Northwestern University School of Dentistry (Class of 1965).
Shortly after their marriage, Ron and Pat moved to Anchorage, Alaska where Ron was a Captain in the United States Air Force working as dentist and oral surgeon at the Military Hospital at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Upon leaving the Air Force he established his private dental practice of 43 years in North Chicago and later added a Vernon Hills office. He was a lifetime member of the American, Illinois State, and Lake County Dental Societies and was past president of the Waukegan Dental Study Club and St. Therese Hospital Dental Staff.
Ron was generous with his time, talents, and resources. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and had been a member of the Knights of Columbus Waukegan Council 731 since 1959. He sponsored the Great Lakes Little League and the local Toys for Tots drive. For his over 30-year service to the North Chicago Veterans Administration Medical Center, he was awarded the Outstanding Service Award for volunteering over 2,500 hours. In addition, for many years he coached the boys' football and girls' basketball teams for St. Anastasia School and founded the girl's parochial grade school volleyball league.
Ron was an avid gardener, woodworker and home remodeler. He loved making miniature buildings for his model trains and decorating for each season – most especially Christmas.
Donations to the Northern Illinois Food Bank (Homepage - Northern Illinois Food Bank) are welcome in lieu of flowers.
Visitation will be on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home, 408 North Sheridan Road, Waukegan, Illinois, from 3:00-7:00 pm. The funeral Mass will be on Monday, December 23, 2024 at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Rd, Gurnee. Funeral time pending. For more information please call (847) 623-0495, please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com