Obituary for Ronald E. Berchtold
Ronald E. Berchtold, 85, of Chillicothe, IL passed away Friday, July 21st, 2023, at the Sharons VA facility in Peoria IL.
He was born on May 13, 1938, in Princeville, IL. He was the son of Robert and Eva (Pritchard) Berchtold. He married Jacqueline Sims on July 31, 1966. She preceded him in death.
Surviving are three children: Thomas (Charmagne) Berchtold of Chillicothe, Susan (Larry) Sarver of Chillicothe, and David (Tina) Berchtold of Missouri, eight grandchildren, Katrina Jones, Melissa Berchtold, LouAnn Berchtold, Kellie Berchtold, Samantha Sarver, Shannon Sehnert, Robert Crouse and Steven Sapp, nephew Doug Schroeder of California, five great grandchildren, and other nieces and nephews as well. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Roger, Duane (Shorty) and Nancy. After high school he attended Blackburn College in southern Illinois where he got an associate degree in the fine Arts.
Soon after that he was drafted into the U.S. Army (1958-1959) where he completed basic training at Fort Knox Kentucky, he then was stationed in Germany at the Berlin wall. Upon returning to the US, he went back home to Speer Illinois. He then met the love of his life Jackie Sims.
He worked for Chillicothe Metal for 30 years before retiring. He enjoyed the great outdoors hunting, fishing, and just being outside. He was an avid gardener growing all kinds of vegetables at home and on his brother’s (Shorty) farm. He always had acorn squash and zucchini to give away to whoever needed it. He was an accomplished fast pitch softball pitcher. He was one of the few softball pitchers to have thrown a “no hitter” he was known for his knuckle ball. He was a member of the Chillicothe Sportsman’s and Casting clubs where he enjoyed taking his kids fishing and shooting. Throughout his life he continued to paint and sketch. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Chillicothe.
Cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the veteran’s origination of your choice.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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