John Ronald ‘Ron’ Beckel, 82

John Ronald “Ron” Beckel, 82, of Apple River, Ill., passed away Dec. 20, 2025, surrounded by family. 

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Ron served as a jet engine mechanic during the Panama Crisis and Vietnam War. 

Born March 10, 1943, in Chicago, Ron grew up in Crystal Lake and graduated from Mankato State, where he met the love of his life, Carolyn, his wife of 54 years. Ron was a Country Companies insurance agent for 27 years. Ron and Carolyn raised their family in Woodstock and retired to Apple Canyon Lake and Sun City West, Ariz. 

Survived by wife, Carolyn; children, Heather (Mike) Connolly and Matt (Jill) Beckel; grandchildren Hannah (fiancé Brodie Eddington), Nathan, and Alyssa Connolly, and Charlie Beckel; sister, Bonny Brown; and dear family and friends.

Proceeded in death by son, John; parents, John and Madeline; brother, Al; and many loved ones.

Ron enjoyed family time, traveling, hobbies, and playing cards. Known for storytelling and singing on golf cart rides with his grandkids, Ron was a legend whose kindness and humor touched everyone he met.

Visitation will be on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the Miller-Steinke Funeral Home, Scales Mound, Ill., from 1 to 4 p.m. Private burial will be in March. 

Memorials: Quilts of Valor Friendship Quilters, Elizabeth, Ill., or Battle Buddy Box for Veterans, Galena, Ill.

Special thanks to Dubuque’s Mercy One Hospital, Warren Ambulance Services, and Apple Canyon Lake Rescue Squad.

Online condolences may be left for the family at millerfhed.com.