Ronald G. Illg

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Spencer, Iowa
607 1st Ave W, Spencer, IA 51301

VISITATION
Sunday, December 28, 2025
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
Fonda, Iowa

ROSARY
Sunday, December 28, 2025
7:00 PM
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
Fonda, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Monday, December 29, 2025
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
Fonda, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Paul Nguyen

COMMITTAL SERVICE
Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery
Saint Joseph, Iowa

Our loving father, Ron Illg, age 82, of Arnolds Park, Iowa, passed away on December 24, 2025.

He was born on October 28, 1943, in Algona, Iowa, to Arthur and Rosalia (Bormann) Illg. He grew up on the family farm near St. Joe, Iowa. He was the third youngest of twelve children. Dad married the love of his life, our wonderful mother, Agnes Rose Elbert, on August 8, 1964. They shared 61 years of laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures together.

Mom and Dad started farming together in 1971. It truly was a family operation. Ma, a city slicker, as Dad would say, learned to drive a tractor, ran the corn picker, sorted hogs and cattle, and fell in love with fresh air and beautiful sunsets. To us, they were the very definition of role models—not just parents, but lifelong examples we are proud to follow. We were very fortunate to grow up in a home with laughter, love, respect for others, and the pride of having a strong work ethic. We were blessed to grow up on a small farm, spending every day side by side with Mom and Dad. We constantly witnessed the devotion our parents had for each other. There were certainly difficult times being a small farm family, but we children were blind to all of that because of our parent’s positive outlook on life and their belief that everything they had was a blessing from God. We children never heard the word unfair from our parents. We heard only how fortunate we were. Mom and Dad instilled in us that material things were simply that, just things. Picking up rock, walking beans, eating mulberries as a treat for our work, bonfires at the dredge, playing catch in the yard, Sundays spent with relatives, daily Mass during Lent followed by a glazed donut and hot chocolate, and especially our yearly summer vacations at Lake Okoboji and trips to Mexico, those were treasures! And those treasures can never be taken away from us.

The greatest gift our parents gave us children was their belief in the Holy Catholic faith. It was the cornerstone and roadmap for everything in their life. It is the greatest gift you could share with us. Mom and Dad, we LOVE YOU for that gift!

Family means everything to our parents. For over 25 years, they logged many miles and attended hundreds of sporting and dance events. This support landed them the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Sportsmanship Award at the Girls’ State Basketball Tournament in 2024. This dedication does not go unnoticed by the grandchildren. They adore Mom and Dad! We know they will be sharing their “grandpa-isms” for years to come. We were so fortunate to have spent Christmas together last weekend with everyone being able to celebrate time with each other in our close-knit family.

We will dearly miss our dad. Our father was a great man. We will miss his sayings, his humor, his referring to mom as his “lady friend” or “Chickie”. We will miss his strength, his compassion, his courage to conquer any obstacle put in front of him with class, dignity, and faith. Thank you, Dad, for showing us that faith, hard-work, integrity, and love are the best treasures one can ask for.

Dad is survived by his very best friend, Agnes Rose and us three kids. Charles “Sonny” (Amy) Illg of Spencer, Chris “Turtle” Jungers of Newell, and Pam “Pee Wee” (Brian) Wilken of Holstein. He is also survived by his pride and joy – 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

When you get home, raise your glass for “Evening Prayer” and honor Ronnie’s tradition.

Arrangements by Geelan Funeral Home