Ron Miltzow

Ron Miltzow, 68, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 after sudden complications during a brief hospitalization.

Born on July 1, 1955, Ron grew up in Palos Heights with his parents Clarence and Jane, sister Gail (married Jake Stuursma) and brother Don (married Linda). After graduating from Chicago Christian High School he began working in construction as a bricklayer, spent a short time as a garbage man in Chicago and settled at Wigboldy Excavating as a truck driver. He continued with some bricklaying, building beautiful custom fireplaces, accent walls and patios. He was an active member at Calvary Church in Orland Park, where he served as a Deacon, Choir member, Cadet counselor and basketball coach.

In 1980, Ron married Sandra and joined her family, father Sam Westphal and his wife Hildegard and siblings Darlene, Hans (married Jenna) and Heidi (married Tom Williams). Ron and Sandra had three children over the next 5 years - Chris, Ben and Sheri. The families grew with many nieces, nephews and now grand-nieces and nephews. He was an active parent and wonderful father; coaching sports teams, traveling for activities and never missing a game. He passed as a beloved grandfather of 6: Madelynn (Ben’s daughter), Joey, John and Jocelyn (Sheri and her husband Keith Jager’s children) and Brandon and Amelia (Chris and his wife Teresa’s children).

After retiring from Wigboldy after 20+ years of driving, he turned his focus to his passion: the outdoors. Already an avid fisherman and hunter, Ron earned his USCG Captains’ License and started Wake’N’Sea Sport Fishing Charters on Lake Michigan out of Pastrick Marina. Over the course of 15 years, he took thousands of people out on the open water on his boat, fished for salmon, openly shared his sportfishing knowledge and taught anyone that wanted to learn how to fish. On the water, there were countless sunrises, laughs, excitement and some fish too. Ron’s love for fishing led him to host seminars and presentations at outdoors shows in Chicagoland and provide tips on the weekly local television programs: Illinois Outdoors and the All Outdoors Show. He also co-created R & R Custom Rods, building bespoke fishing rods, custom for every customer or donation recipient.

His latter years were spent largely with his family and friends. Enjoying all their company and entertaining them with his razor sharp wit and dry sense of humor - though his body grew weak, those were as strong as ever up to his final day.

“When thru the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee
How great thou art!”
- How Great Thou Art, Carl Boberg

Visitation Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 2-6 p.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Burial private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Hope Story, 1920 North Coit Road, Suite 200-176, Richardson, TX 75080 CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE DONATION are appreciated.

Below is a photo tribute celebrating Ron's life.



Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400