Ronald E. Misjak, Sr., age 82, a resident of West Chicago, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Central Dupage Hospital in Winfield Il. His wife and son were by his side.  He was born October 17, 1942 in LaSalle, IL to Edward & Hilda Misjak.

Ron Sr. was a self made man from the old school. His formative years were shrouded in diffuculty that he transformed into his survivalist attitude. He was a combat engineer in the Marines who loved his country and proudly expressed it. His work ethics propelled him and his family into many great achievements. He was a pioneer in business from road construction to creating new softwares to developing custom race cars and setting records all over the country. He could see opportunities and his perseverance focused mainly on the journey. Ron Sr always knew that hard work with an attitude of "If you can't do it right, don't do it" would bring a prosperous outcome. At the same time if you were playing cards or a board game with him you needed to watch him closely. Ron Sr loved to talk with everyone he could get to pay attention to him and with his big heart would tell you great stories full of advice. He generously shared his knowledge to help and see others grow. He loved all his family and was a rock of support. Pictures of Ron Sr. show his love of being with you. He also liked being a prankster, showing funny faces, giving you bunny ears and many pics of flipping the bird. His passion was planning his adventures around photography and fishing. From the Amazon Jungle to Cuba and frequent trips from Florida to Cape Hatteras he landed many monsters. Ron Sr always had a big itch to scratch and often used the term "Go Big or Go Home". On a whim he would say "I'm going to the grand canyon, renting a helicopter pilot and taking pictures everywhere". If you were in his frequent orbit he would give you a nick name. Waitresses, doctors, friends and family all were given unique names that fit them. Some of his close friends had nicknames that fit him too. Ron Sr was not a fan of flying so he traveled extensively in his Prevost Bus. He loved taking trips with his family and taking everyone including friends, business associates and employees. Ron Sr's Bus rolled down the highway adding 250k leisure miles. He was always listening to Neil Diamond with an eagle feather dancing in the window that guided him to reach higher. Ron Sr. experienced life with a no saving, use everything to the fullest attitude. Towards the end it was sad to see his power diminish but he would never let you know it as he would rather see you laugh with him. He had an alpha warriors fighting spirit and didn't take crap from anyone. He always gave you the expression he would fight through everything and always be there. Even in his last moments he was cracking jokes, entertaining and breaking balls. True to his word he had stated some time ago "When I'm gone you're going to miss me"

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra; his son Ronald (Mary) Misjak, Jr.; his granddaughter Amanda Reinecke; his great-grandson Aiden Reinecke; his brother Edward (the late Sandy) Misjak, Jr.; his brother Steve (Julie) Safranski; his nephew Bill (Kim) Becker; his niece Jackie (Andy) Battaglia;  his nephews Tim Becker and Rob Wolfe; his grandnieces and grand nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Nancy Wolfe and Rosemary Hocking; and his parents.

Big Ron's Celebration of Life will be held at the El Jardin Room at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189 on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. A brief service with Military Honors is being planned shortly after 11:00 a.m. Don't be late or he will let you know!  leave your contact information and email in the guest book.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Cantigny .

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.