Ronald Durkee

Ronald Durkee, 74, of Belvidere, IL passed away on Nov 25, 2025 after a long fight with Parkinson’s. Ronald was a decorated Vietnam Veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/ Device, Vietnam Service Medal. Ronald was a dedicated father and is survived by his 4 children and their families with 8 grandchildren. Shawn (Nicole) Durkee, Denise (Chris) Knitter, Elizabeth (Eric) Klass and Howard (Heather) Durkee. Ronald was a selfless man who would do anything for anyone. Everyone who knew Ron would describe him by his Passion, Generosity, and Compassion. Ron was always first to lend a hand. He helped for many years at his church giving both his time and delicious baked desserts for fundraisers and other charitable events. He loved his New England Patriots from his childhood in Connecticut. Ron enjoyed playing sports greatly as he was an avid cyclist. Ronald love being outdoors taking his family to Starved Rock for hikes and birdwatching. He also had passion for golf which was instilled by his parents as a child, and he continued the tradition of playing with his kids. Once his Parkinson’s from his military service in Vietnam took its toll, his son Shawn and daughter in law Nicole continued the tradition of selflessness and compassion and took care of him until the very end. In his final days Ronald was surrounded by friends and family. Ronald was a man who touched many lives and will be remembered for lifetimes to come.

Memorial services will be held on Sunday December 7, 2025 at the Medinah Shriners, 550 Shriners Drive, Addison, IL 60101 from 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers memorials to Paws Humane Society of Rockford, Ron was an avid supporter of the shelter.

https://pawshs.org or mail to Paws Humane Society, 7282 North Cherryvale Mall Drive, Rockford, IL 61112.