Ronald Francis Muno

Some time before Monday’s dawn, the soul of Ronald Francis Muno breathed away. His wife of 58 years was next to him. She held his hand; laid her head on his shoulder. "Love you always and forever" were his parting words to her. His children whispered precious memories and sang to him throughout the night. His life had been defined by his caring, love, laughter and loyalty with the family around him. His death would be defined by the same themes. He would leave this world in the same way he lived his life.

Those who have known Ron through the arc of his life will recognize these themes. “The best boy of Rogers Park” grew up on Chicago’s North Side. He was a beloved brother and friend in the neighborhood.  His humor and strengths were well known in the halls and on the fields of St George High School.  He developed his mother’s affliction for the Cubs and would spend long hours by the radio reaching the occasional high and feeling the perennial disappointment associated with this team.  These letdowns did not deter his loyalty. He believed in your best. You could disappoint Ron, make mistakes, be poorly managed, fall well short of your pennant. Despite all your shortcomings, he would still find a way to believe in you. 

Ron’s positive vision was rewarded on a blind date on May 20, 1955 with a South Side nursing student. Shirley Mueller didn’t know what to think of this “Preppy” character from Loyola U, but she liked him enough to go on the second date. This led to a marriage that was characterized by a profound caring and love that was evident to all.  After work at US Gypsum, Ron took a job as a Risk Manager for Outboard Marine and Shirley worked as a night nurse for Condell Hospital. They moved north and ended up in a split level home in the rapidly growing suburb of Libertyville. 

Their love for each other radiated through their children: Kimberly, Mark, Janice, Aileen, Ann and Laura. If you visited this house, you would remember the simplicity, the kindness, the grace and the connection they felt for each other. These connections were stretched by the devastating loss of their daughter Kimberly in 1976. It is common for a tragedy to damage or derail even strong relationships.  Ron and Shirley had something more than an uncommon bond. They found strength in each other, in their children and in their faith. They grieved and grew closer. If you spent time in their home, you would still feel the goodness and beauty of Kimberly, kept alive by those who love her. As Ron grew older in his long retirement, his eyes filled with tears often. He saw the beauty of life in so many people and places. You might have hugged him and noticed his blue eyes filling. Perhaps you saw him at the edge of a birthday party, smiling and turning to wipe the tears. Maybe you were with him by the lake at sunset, on a mountain ridge or in a beautiful church. Any vista could bring tears. If you shared a story about life and loss, you would be looking into the watery eyes of someone who understood.  Ron knew that life was precious and finite. He could feel the power and beauty of the moment. In his last days, Ron felt the intensity of the love he had brought to the world he was preparing to leave. The blue wells closed, he felt the warmth of his wife, heard the songs and conversation of his family. Then a last exhale and a departure. A soul paused, felt the love in the room and then slipped the hospital walls into the beauty of a clear autumn night.  

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday November 7th, 2015 at 10:30am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Geneva, WI; Father Jim Schuerman will be presiding.  Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of service at the church.  Entombment will follow at Ascension Cemetery at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Heart Association and Cancer Society. Links have been provided below for your convenience.

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Derrick Funeral Home and Cremation services of Lake Geneva are honored to be assisting the Muno’s family.

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