Patrick E. Ronk

Patrick E. Ronk, 64, of Wataga, died on Sunday, June 25, 2017, 6:02 PM, at Marigold Rehab and Healthcare Center, Galesburg. Patrick was born on November 25, 1952, in Galesburg. He was the son of Robert William and Mary La Vaughn (Anderson) Ronk, Sr. He married Linda Morlan in Oquawka in April of 1999. Patrick is survived by his wife; two brothers, Bob (Roxanne) Ronk and David Ronk, both of Galesburg; his special grandson and best friend, Seth Howard; two step-sons, Jason (Lisa) Howard of Oquawka, and Rickie ( Robin Mahnesmith) Howard of Knoxville; two step-daughters, Crystal Howard of Wataga, and Dawn Nicole (Craig) Selser of Galesburg; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents. He was a 1971 graduate of Galesburg High School. He worked as a laborer at Butler Manufacturing for 32 years, retiring in 2005. He was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He loved to be outdoors, especially fishing and camping. Patrick was the happiest when he was spending time with Seth, whether it was just visiting or working on their “song.” Seth meant the world to Patrick and he loved being able to help raise him for sixteen years.   Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017, 10:00 AM, at the Altona Cemetery in Altona, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in Patrick’s honor may be donated to Eversight, 301 S. Prospect Rd. Ste 2, Bloomington, Illinois 61704, or the National Federation of the Blind at www.nfb.org. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com .