Obituary of Ronald Parks

Ronald I. Parks, 75 of Zion, IL passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Kenosha, WI surrounded by his family. Ronnie was born in Booneville, MS to Stanley and Nell Parks September 24, 1948.

Ronnie graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1966. Ronnie married Gloria Krause at Lake Tahoe on July 4, 1997. He retired from the Construction Labor Union 152. In his younger years, he proudly was a metal sculptor for the Tournament of Roses parade. Ronnie’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He took immense pride in their accomplishments, big and small. His love for them was boundless, and he cherished every moment spent with them, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Gloria Parks; children, Sandra (Howard) Davis, Shera (Chuck) Smith, Joel Parks, Richard (Valerie) Krause and Gretchen (Chris) Hutter; grandchildren, Amanda Harris, Elizabeth Davis, Matthew Davis, Abigail Smith, Charlie Smith, Autumn Palacz, Stephanie Deal, Landon Parks, Nathon Parks, Anthony Krause, Sam Krause, Ben Krause and Kayla Hutter; 14 great grandchildren; brothers, Rick (Cindy) Parks, Philip (James) Parks and Michael Parks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Nell Parks.

Visitation will take place Friday May 24, 2024, at the Congdon Funeral Home, Zion, IL from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be held Saturday May 25, 2024, at the Congdon Funeral Home at 11:00 am with a visitation at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. In honor of Ronald Ira Parks, you can make a donation to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Link: https://curemeso.salsalabs.org/fundraiseformeso/p/abigailsheraparkssmith/index.html