Ronald Elmer Umdenstock

Ronald Elmer Umdenstock, of East Peoria, fondly known by his family and friends as “Ronnie” and “PeeWee”, passed away at 12:51 am Saturday, March 10, 2018 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center at the age of 80. He was born in Peoria, IL on Nov. 6, 1937 to Elmer and Inez (Hansen) Umdenstock. He married Diana Johnson in Peoria on March 21, 1964, she survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Kandy Umdenstock of Morton and Rhonda (Joshua) Hockenbury of Washington; and his brother, Jack of Peoria. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Vonda Schmidt and Terry Umdenstock. Ron was a US Army Veteran. Ron and Diana owned Sun-X of Peoria Glass Tinting and Home Construction Company for 44 years. He was a member of the Carpenter Local 183/237 for over 50 years. Ron was currently working as the Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission for Woodford County. For the last 15 years Ron was the Chairman for the Department of Illinois American Legion Gifts to the Yanks Who Gave, where he had the opportunity to raise funds and provide over 8,000 Christmas gifts to Veterans in Hospitals and Nursing Homes across Illinois. Ron was a Life Member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, member of AmVets, and former member of the Tazewell Military Rites Team. He was the Past Commander of the American Legion Spring Bay Post 1115, Woodford County, 17th District and 4th Division. In his early years he was an avid sprint car driver and a former member of the Mississippi Valley Vintage Race Car Association. Ron was a strong man who didn’t let people stand in his way for what he believed in. His whole heart was given to others every day. He was very proud of the American Legion and wore his cap with pride. He touched so many people in so many ways and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the 17th District American Legion Auxiliary Nurses Scholarship Fund at PO Box 1426, Bloomington, IL 61702 in honor of the caring nurses on NSICU at OSF. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 10 am Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington with Rev. Dr. Laura Reason officiating. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 pm Friday, March 16th at the Funeral Home with an American Legion Salute to be held at 5pm. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Ronald Elmer Umdenstock

November 6, 1937 - March 10, 2018