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Ron DeBrock Obituary
Godfrey - Ronald R. DeBrock, 62, of Godfrey, died at 4:06 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at his home following an illness.
The oldest son of Richard and Deanne (Maas) DeBrock of Sheffield, he was a lifelong newspaper man who worked on school publications and graduated from Manlius High School and Bradley University in Peoria.
He first wrote for the Sheffield Bulletin before leading Illinois newspapers in Atkinson and Princeton. He was Director of Communications and Marketing for the Illinois Press Association for 10 years before becoming communications manager for a recreational community in Arkansas. He returned to Illinois in 2008 as night editor for The Rock Island Argus and The Daily Dispatch in Moline. He was named editor of The Telegraph in Alton in 2019.
He also wrote for Illinois Agri-News and publications in Pekin, Peoria, Jacksonville, Davenport, Springfield, Mo., and Springdale, Ark. He received numerous national, state and regional awards and, throughout his career, served in leadership positions for several civic and fraternal organizations. He was a 45-year member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was known for posting one-liners on Facebook almost daily. While recovering from kidney cancer, he and Greg Wallace of Walnut published a book of those one-liners called "Hamsters and Potato Guns."
He is survived by his wife Wendy. Also surviving are his sister Deb DeBrock, of Sheffield; his brothers Robert DeBrock of Wyanet and Roger DeBrock of Manlius; and his extended family.
No services are planned. Anyone wishing to make a memorial is encouraged to instead support any local animal shelter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ron DeBrock
Tim Brooks
April 29, 2024
I still remember the first time I met Ron on the second floor of Lovelace dorm at Bradley. We had a very close knit floor. Ron was a big factor in that sense of community. I have some very fond memories of those years at Bradley University. Prayers to Wendy and his family.
Janet Doubler Ward
December 10, 2023
Though I hadn´t talked to Ron in a long time, I so enjoyed his Facebook posts. And he was a good friend in high school. My condolences to you and your family.
Renee Kasuba
December 3, 2023
Ron always had a smile on his face & was never short on jokes. He loved to make people laugh & was a man of great integrity. He was incredibly knowledgeable about many things & he loved the history of Bureau County. I am Blessed to have known him & am honored to have been his friend. My prayers go out to his family.
Donald R. Joehl
November 24, 2023
Our memory of Ron as a neighbor on Jackson Lane, Godfrey and as an excellent writer and news organizer for the Alton Telegraph spans the years he was here. He was very friendly and helpful for a few items I emailed him about. I saw him and his wife or sister walking daily along the 1/3mile Jackson Lane street to the dead end at our farm--something he did until the last week before his passing. Will truly miss his friendly manner and accomplishments at the Telegraph--God bless his soul. Donald Joehl
Liz Boardman
November 24, 2023
Ron was a hard-working, dedicated journalist. He´ll be missed.
Rodney Lange
November 24, 2023
A genuine great Friend. I will miss him .....
Don Wooden
November 23, 2023
When I first met Ron he was going by the nickname of 'Rollo'....or maybe it was 'Rolly' I really am not sure. That was 45 years ago. I believe he was in college at Bradley if memory serves me correctly. Over the years we have communicated brief messages and enjoyed each others banter. As of lately he has fallen away from those short messages and I have wondered what was going on. I truly am saddened by his passing...he truly was a great man.
Alan and Chris Dale
November 23, 2023
Wendy and family, Alan and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Ron. He was a long time friend and will always be considered a neighbor. Have many memories of Ron from times baby sitting with his family to when he worked for Alan. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with at this time of sorrow. Alan and Chris Dale
Dave Thompson
November 23, 2023
Ron was a great guy. I will miss him.
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