Ronald R. Werner, 83, of Poplar Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his loving family on March 10, 2025.

He was born on November 3, 1941, in rural Deshler, Nebraska to Albert and Esther (Kahle) Werner and grew up on the family farm. Ron graduated from Deshler High School in 1959 and from the University of Nebraska in 1963. He married Janet Abraham on August 21, 1965, in Schuyler, Nebraska.

Ron was hired as a pilot by United Airlines in 1964. This career path took him to Chicago where he was based for the next 36 years. During his career, he operated several different types of aircraft including the DC-6, DC-10, Boeing 720, 737, 777 and 747. One of his proudest moments was being selected to test-pilot the 777 for United while it was being certified by the FAA. He was then honored to captain United's inaugural revenue 777 flight from Germany to Chicago. Despite his long, successful career as a commercial airline pilot, Ron often referred to himself as a farmer.

In 1972, Ron and Jan moved from Alden, Illinois to Poplar Grove where they operated a 200-acre cattle farm, RJW Polled Herefords. Ron was also very active in the 4-H beef show and auction at the Boone County Fair and received a lifetime achievement award in 2005.

He retired from United in 2001 but remained active in farming and other hobbies like restoring classic John Deere tractors and watching the birds, wild turkeys and deer that trekked through his property. Ron was always busy with various projects around the farm, but never too busy to help a neighbor or visit the residents at Azura Memory Care in Clinton, WI.

Ron was a devoted husband and father who rarely missed one of his children's school activities or sporting events, even if it meant having an inconvenient flight schedule for some months. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren's accomplishments and cherished attending their various activities whenever he could. He also loved spending time with family and friends, sharing meals, watching sporting events, playing pool and enjoying a Rocky Ron sundae – his namesake treat from Myrt's Ice Cream Shoppe in Sharon, WI.

Ron will be dearly missed by his children, Mike (Laura) Werner, Cheri (Bill) Wilson, Steve Werner and Kathy (Adam) Denker; grandchildren Lindsay (Mitch) Hendershot, Natalie (Chase) Feldman, Cal and Jessalyn Wilson and Trevor and Kate Denker, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jan; parents, Albert and Esther; and sister Janet Malpert.

Special thanks to OSF Hospice for their compassionate care.

A visitation will be held 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 218 W Hurlburt Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008.