Ronald "Ron" Heal

1948 - 2025

RONALD "RON" HEAL
Born: August 24, 1948
Died: October 11, 2025
Ronald (Ron) Heal, of Esmond, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 77 with family by his side. The family is forever grateful for the OSF and Northwestern medical staff, Empower Home Health (Nurse Kim), Visiting Angels of DeKalb (Caregivers Michelle and Bridget), and Serenity Hospice in their efforts and care for Ron alongside the support given by family and friends near and far.
Ron was born on August 24, 1948 in DeKalb to Melvin and Mildred (Barchard) Heal. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in agriculture from Illinois State University, on June 3, 1972 he married Nancy Crouch, whom he had met on a blind date. Over the first nine years of their marriage they welcomed two children into their family, Randy and Stephanie. His children remember him as loving, loyal, and driven who encouraged them to pursue their life goals. A lifelong farmer, Ron worked on and took over his family's farm raising livestock and growing grain. In addition to being a farmer, Ron built strong relationships with his clients after establishing his own long-running successful crop insurance agency.
Ron had a strong work ethic, but did not compromise his family time and was a proud dad. He enjoyed watching sports and made all that met him feel welcome and a part of the family. He loved his life on the farm, never living more than 5 miles from where he grew up. Ron's favorite part of farming was combining corn, savoring the rewards of his labor.
Ron is survived by his children Randy Heal (David Westbrooks) of Mountain Brook, Alabama and Stephanie Heal of Raleigh, North Carolina, brother Fred (Mary) Heal of Byron, and father-in-law William (Bill) Crouch of Sycamore. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry (Carrol) Heal and Ken (Barb) Heal, and his wife of over 48 years, Nancy.
Visitation will take place at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL 60115 on Sunday, October 19th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at Esmond United Methodist Church, 675 Eychaner Rd, Esmond, IL 60129 on Monday, October 20th at 10:00 am followed by graveside service at Greenview Cemetery in Esmond.
Since Ron's wife Nancy passed on December 14, 2020 during the pandemic, she will also be memorialized at his funeral. The family hopes Nancy's memorial service will provide extended family and friends the closure that wasn't possible at the time of her passing.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Esmond United Methodist Church or Greenview Cemetery Association, addressed to the Heal Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.