Ronald I. Petrie

1923 - 2017

Ronald I. Petrie 1923—2017
Ronald I. Petrie, 93, of Rockford, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 10, 2017. He was born April 30, 1923, in South Bend, IN, the second son to Earl and Verna (Bymaster) Petrie. The family moved to Rockford in 1938, and opened Petrie's Milk on Kishwaukee Street, famous for their homemade ice cream and hamburgers. Generations of young people thought of Petrie's as their second home. Ron was a member of the first graduating class of Rockford East High School (1940). His college education was interrupted when he joined the Army during World War II. Originally trained for the South Pacific, he was sent to Europe for the final push and then to Japan for the Occupation. While there, he became pen pals with the love of his life, Betty Lou Lane. He and Betty Lou were married on October 6, 1946, in Fort Atkinson, WI. In addition to helping at Petrie's, Ron worked at Sundstrand Aviation as a test man and eventually Senior Advising Engineer, retiring in 1986. He and Betty Lou had a wonderful marriage, enjoying camping, fishing, traveling, bicycling and family gatherings. An avid golfer well into his 80's, he was the ultimate handyman. Well-read, with many interests, Ron lived a good life, a wonderful example of "The Greatest Generation". He loved quietly and loved deeply, leaving wonderful memories. Survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty Lou; children, Roanna Gallina, Howard, Patrick (Kathy); grandchildren, Jessica (Nick) Hammer, Tony Gallina, Danielle (Matt) Schneider, Cori Livingston-Comer. Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Russell. A special thanks to Heartland Hospice, especially Becky, Jim and Carrie.
Funeral service will be at noon Tuesday, February 14, 2017, with a visitation from 11 a.m. until the service in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockford Rescue Mission or the Salvation Army. To share a memory or express condolences, visit honquestfh.com.