Ronald George Geary

Ronald George Geary, age 88, of Milledgeville, IL, passed away on December 6, 2023.

Ron was born February 10, 1935, in Milledgeville, IL, the son of LaRue and Bertha (St. Clair) Geary. He graduated from Milledgeville High School, Class of 1953. After high school, Ron went right to work for Kraft foods, and stayed with the company for over 30 years. It was there where he earned the nickname “Bear” for his strength and stature.

Ron married Nancy Plumley in 1955, and together they had 3 sons. He and Nancy were perfect for one another, as they shared a love for the outdoors and a love for fishing. Together they founded G&S Cheesebait. Their favorite fishing spots were on the Rock and Mississippi rivers where they spent every free moment they had. Ron was so fond of fishing that he rarely missed an opportunity to spread his knowledge with others. He loved sharing his “secrets” such as the best locations to fish and what bait to use. He was renowned for his fishing knowledge, getting regular calls from local anglers. A local radio station also called him periodically to give fishing reports for their listeners. Ron was also an avid hunter and shared that love with his sons and grandsons.

Ron loved his family and was a dedicated father. While his boys were growing up, he coached baseball and served as a Cub Scout Leader. He especially loved watching his sons play football, baseball, and basketball. Ron continued to follow the Milledgeville Missiles long after his sons graduated. He was blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and his face would light up anytime they were around.

Ron will be dearly missed by his sons, Chuck (Carol) Geary, of Milledgeville, IL, Dave (Judy) Geary, of Thomson, IL, and Steve (Valerie) Geary, of Thomson, IL; eight grandchildren, Jaimie Davis, Angie (Dan) Glann, Brandie Geary, Melissa (Chris) Heisler, Wade Geary, David (Carrie) Geary, Lindsey Jones, and Anthony Geary; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, LaRue and Bertha; wife, Nancy; sisters, LaRue Jean (Jim) Plog and Betty (Ernest) Warnken; brother, Don (Pat) Geary; and great-grandson, Ben Heisler.

A Celebration of Life in memory of Ron will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 1pm - 5pm at The Other Bar in Milledgeville, Illinois. A time of sharing will be held at 2pm. Please bring your favorite memories and stories.