Ronald Leroy MacKenzie

Freeport, IL – Ronald Leroy MacKenzie, age 91, passed away at the Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, WI on August 24, 2025. Ron was born on April 21, 1934 in West Virginia the son of Willard (Evelyn Winand) Frye. Ron married Barbara MacKenzie (Homan) on August 14, 1953 at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Afolkey. Barb preceded him in death on March 18, 2012. Ron worked for many years as a railroad clerk for Illinois Central Railways and later retired at the age of 62 from the Highland Community College. Ron enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities over the years. Ron and Barb enjoyed traveling and golfing together and going on family fishing vacations. In his later years, Ron enjoyed working as a greeter at his family's DaaBIN's store in La Crosse. He had a loyal following of DaaBINNERS who affectionately called him "Pops". He insisted that you needed to have a purpose in life. When people met Ronnie at the store, the first thing they discovered was that Ron had a sharp mind and a genuine interest in sharing stories with others. Ron and Barb were former members of the Afolkey United Methodist Church, before moving to Freeport many years ago and attended Park Hills Evangelical Free Church. Ron is survived by his 3 children, Tina (Bob) Martin, Mark (Elizabeth) MacKenzie and Tim (Willa) MacKenzie; 10 grandchildren, Tania (Jarod) Williams, Erika (Shawn) Johnson, Michelle (Brady) Swalve, Brent and Garrett MacKenzie, Kyra MacKenzie, Christian (Grace) MacKenzie, Michael MacKenzie and Kenny and Dana MacKenzie; 10 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barb, in 2012; a grandson, Chad Martin in 2017; a great grandson, Bryson Jack Williams and two great great grandchildren, Gemma Marie Swalve and Kyzer Paul Corp. The family requests no flowers and in lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Park Hills Evangelical Free Church in Freeport. Funeral services will be held at the Park Hills Evangelical Free Church, 2525 W. Stephenson Street in Freeport IL on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:30 AM. A visitation will also be held at the church on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Burial will conclude at the Afolkey United Methodist Church in Afolkey. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family. www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com 608-897-2484