Ronald "Ron" Dean Edfors, 67, of rural Fulton, Illinois passed away at home on Saturday, July 8, 2017. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 13, at Lemke Funeral Homes – South Chapel (2610 Manufacturing Drive). A visitation will occur from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, at Lemke Funeral Homes – South Chapel. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral service at Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers and Honorary Pallbearers will include nephews – Scott and Troy Edfors, Mike and Greg Edfors, Al Edfors, David Keller, Jerry Edfors, Bob George and friends George Long and Steve Arlen. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Ron was born October 14, 1949 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Pete and Ethel (Hesseltine) Edfors. Ron was united in marriage to Debra Barthel-Anderson on November 3, 1973 in Clinton, Iowa.
Ron was a Union Construction Laborer since 1972, first with Local 244 and then Local 43. He took a disability retirement in 2000 due to work related injuries.
Ron loved his family with all his heart. The Edfors family lived on Beaver Island until 1962 and then moved to a home in South Clinton. Ron loved the river his entire life, owning several boats. Many camping trips and boat trips made fond memories for family and friends. In 1974 Ron and Deb moved into their new home in South Clinton, where they raised their family. In 1997 Ron fell in love with a motorcycle and rode until 2015. He went on lone wolf rides west to the mountains and deserts. Ron and Deb took vacations nearly every year to the mountains and made wonderful memories with each of the grandchildren – taking one each year to have their own special time.
Ron loved animals and always had dogs and cats that adored him. Everyone who knew Ron will miss him very much. He was loved by many humans and animals.
Ron is survived by Deb, his wife of 43 years; one daughter – Carla Edfors of Clinton, IA and a grandson he raised, Ronald R. (Tami) Edfors of Fulton, IL; six grandchildren – Anthony Ray, Samantha (Chris Cox) Ray, Daniel Edfors, Natalie Dalbey, Billy and Jonathan Bengtson; six great-grandchildren – Kayla, Hunter, Carly, Sydney, Annabelle and Franklin; three sisters – Frances (Dick) Morrow of Wayland, IA, Margie (Stan) Rolston of Clinton, IA and Mary (Ron) Newman of Clinton, IA; one brother – Robert (Tina) Morgan of Clinton, IA, with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding Ron in death were his parents, two daughters – Cathy in infancy and Lauri Edfors in 2014; one grandson – Brian Ray Jr.; three sisters – Francine Lowe, Thelma Farrier and Debra Keller; six brothers – Howard VanWinkle, Dave Edfors, Martin Edfors, Guy Edfors, Pete Edfors and Jerry Edfors.
Memorials made can be directed to the wishes of the family.
Ron wants everyone to remember "It's not the destination… it's the journey".

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