Ronald J. Dodd
Born: October 22, 1965 in Benton Harbor, MI
Died: June 1, 2023 in Murray, UT
With great love and deep sorrow we announce the passing of Ronald James Dodd (Ron), age 57, of Eagle Mountain, Utah, previously of Plainfield, Illinois. Ron was born in Benton Harbor, MI on October 22, 1965 to Jack and Linda Dodd and instantly brought joy into their lives as their first born child. He was a phenomenal older brother as Debbie, Steven, Jennifer and Jackie later joined their family. He led by example his entire life. Ron learned how to make friends easily as his growing up years included a lot of moving with his dad employed in the retail business. Ron learned the value of hard work from his parents, especially his dad, as they would do home improvement projects and eventually in high school as his dad began his own floor and carpet cleaning business.
Some of Ron’s most treasured memories came when he served as a missionary in the London England mission from 1985-1987. Here he developed some lasting relationships, but more importantly, really gained a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are experiences and understanding he would share throughout his time on earth.
After returning home from his mission, Ron attended school at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. During the summer of 1989, Ron met the love of his life, Denise Davis, when he was living at Roman Gardens. They got sealed together in May of 1990 in the Denver Colorado temple. As young humble college students they excitedly welcomed their first daughter, Kamee Alyssa, in October of 1991. Their new titles of mother and father brought them the greatest joy possible! That joy increased three more times when Lauren Ashley joined the family in 1993, Nathan Allen in 1997 and Nicole Amanda rounded up the fun in 1999.
In 1993, Ron and Denise moved to Bolingbrook, Illinois with their family of 4. Ron’s top priority was always time spent with his family! This included cuddling with his young babies, camping at Woodhaven Lakes, family trips, sporting events and coaching softball. Ron’s knowledge and passion for sports, his leadership skills and his love of people helped him to become a vital part in many people’s lives through Panther’s Sports Club and the non-profit organization he established to help families at Christmas–Staff of Life Storehouse.
After the tragic loss of their son Nathan, in July of 2020, Ron and Denise moved back to Utah to help the family work through the loss. Here Ron established new friendships and found satisfaction in his new job of helping seniors with their Medicare packages.
Ron was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dodd, in 2017, his son, Nathan in 2020, and his grandson, Jackson, in 2022. He is survived by his wife, Denise; daughters: Kamee, Lauren and Nicole; mother, Linda Dodd; siblings- Debbie Tenuta (Bob), Steve Dodd (Jennifer), Jennifer Chandler (Steve) and Jackie Kirk (Nick); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
We will celebrate the incredible man Ron was with a wake on Friday June 9, 2023, at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Rd, Joliet, Illinois from 5-8 pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday June 10, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 655 Springfield Road Joliet, Illinois with burial immediately following at Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Published by The Herald-News on Jun. 8, 2023.
