Obituary: Ronald Haedt

Ronald John Haedt of Fountain Hills, Ariz, formerly of Oregon, Ill., passed away peacefully on June 15, 2020 with his wife Shirley by his side.

Ron was born September 29, 1934 in Carrington, N.D. He grew up on farms in Cathay and New Rockford. He graduated from New Rockford High School in 1952 and was a state champion in track and hurdles.

He received his undergraduate degree at Jamestown College, North Dakota. He taught for two years at Bowbells and Portland Elementary schools before he left for Guam where he taught for four years.

After teaching in Guam, Ron completed his Master's Degree at Northern Colorado University. He continued his teaching career in Massachusetts and in the Chicago suburbs. He culminated his more than 35 years of teaching in St. Charles, Ill., as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Anderson Elementary and Wild Rose Elementary schools.

While teaching at Anderson Elementary, Ron met his wife Shirley who was employed by the district as a nurse. They married in 1981.

Ron enjoyed teaching (especially math), connecting with his former students, and spending time with his church communities in Fountain Hills, Ariz., and Oregon, Ill. He was an active member and tuba player in various bands in both towns.

He loved spending time with his three grandchildren and was very close to his late brother's children. He enjoyed playing his tuba, woodworking and trips to his cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Socializing with his coffee buddies in Oregon, Ill., was also one of his favorite pastimes. Ron was a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, and the North Dakota State University Bisons football team.

Ron is survived by Shirley, his wife of 39 years; daughter Susan Wassel (Craig) of Batavia, Ill.; sister Karen Dompier (Del) of Nobelsville, Ind.; three grandchildren (Chase, Caitlin, McKenna); nephew Tim (Khris) of Wathena, Kans., niece Jody (Bryan) also of Wathena, niece Diane of Kansas City, Mo., and other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents John and Louise Haedt and his brother Milton.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of life service will be announced at a future date.

Donations may be made in memory of Ron Haedt to:

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc.

3006 Bee Caves Road

Suite D206

Austin, TX 78746

Shepherd of the Hills

Lutheran Church

PO Box 17444

Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

114 South 5th Street

Oregon, IL 61061