Rowland James Milburn

Rowland James Milburn "Ron" 95 of Naperville passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15th after a short illness. Throughout his hospitalization he entertained the staff with his quick wit and humor.

He is survived by his four children: Heather Lightfoot (Ian Lightfoot), Ron Milburn (Kim Milburn), Bonnie Dau, and Brian Milburn. He had seven grandchildren: Ben Dau, Thea Jarriel, Paul Dau, Lincoln Lightfoot, Edward Lightfoot, RJ Milburn, Lily Rose Milburn and four great grandchildren.

Ron was born to Helen (Jirinec) and Rowland Milburn on February 18, 1930. He graduated from Farragut High School in Chicago where he played football and sang in the choir. After high school he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He honorably served fighting with the 780th Field Artillery Battery in the Korean War for 18 months receiving 3 bronze battle stars.

Upon returning home he was eager to marry his high school sweetheart Lorraine (Fister) in 1954. They were married over 70 years. The family moved to Naperville in 1966 where they lived for 59 years and raised four children.

Ron enjoyed his career with A&P (Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company) where he began bagging groceries. He was quickly promoted to store manager and later to Transportation Supervisor for the A&P Chicago Warehouse Distribution Center. Fire forced the beginning of the end for A&P. Ron was quickly recruited by Dominick's Finer Foods where he implemented the first computerized routing logistics software.

He served the community coaching Little League Baseball and assisting with the Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. He also repaired tape recorders for the blind among other service projects.

Ron was an amazing story teller and loved history. He often colorfully retold historical accounts from the Second World and American Civil Wars. His stories also included childhood memories living in Canada, work, cherished moments from family canoe trips, and many others.

He was a devoted husband and father. He strived to be a friend to everyone. Ron was principled, disciplined, and carried himself with integrity.

Ron loved the boundary waters canoe area of Northern Minnesota where he was in his element. Annual family vacations canoeing the boundary waters began in 1977. We are grateful that he was able to spend his final days enjoying the peace and tranquility of a Minnesota lake.

Thank you to the staff at Regions Hospital in St. Paul for providing excellent care to Ron.

A graveside service with military honors is scheduled for Wednesday, September 3rd at 10:30am at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 7750 Cermak Rd, Forest Park, IL 60130. Memorial donations are being accepted for the Friends of the Boundary Waters protection fund.