Ronald Lee Preston

Ronald Lee Preston, 80, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday night, November 15, 2025.

Ron was a resilient, community-minded individual whose life was defined by perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering spirit of independence. Born on March 17, 1945, Ron's early life was shaped by determination and adaptability.

Growing up in the Mount Carroll area, Ron attended Center Hill School until eighth grade and then graduated from Mount Carroll High School in 1964. During his school years, he liked football and developed a love for Mr. Gerlach’s shop class.

Ron's life took an unexpected turn early on when a workplace accident at a furniture factory changed his trajectory. While working during his senior year in high school, he was involved in an accident that resulted in the loss of three fingers. Despite being medically disqualified from military service, Ron saw this as an opportunity rather than a limitation.

Pivoting from his initial plans, Ron pursued a career as a Farrier, graduating from the Macomb School of Horseshoeing. For 50 years, he was a highly respected professional in his field, known for his expertise with horses. Ron could work with precision, even with his limited hand mobility, holding nails in his mouth and managing horse hooves with remarkable dexterity. He retired from his farrier business in 2019.

Ron also worked in construction for the Carpenter’s and Laborer’s Union, working on projects like the Cordova Nuclear Plant.

A devoted public servant, Ron committed much of his life to strengthening his community. He volunteered with the D.A.R.E. program in Carroll County, Tri-County Opportunities Council, served on the 4-H Board, contributed to community safety as a member of the Crime Stoppers Board, and served numerous terms as a County Commissioner, where he worked tirelessly to represent local residents, support community needs, and ensure responsible stewardship of county resources. Ron also served as the Chairman of the Democratic Party, championing civic engagement, local leadership, and the democratic process. He served on the Carroll County Board since 2012, he was particularly proud of his work helping individuals complete community service and his efforts in restoring the county courthouse and preserving its historic fountain.

Ron was known for his wonderful sense of humor—sharp, surprising, and capable of filling a room with laughter. Yet he could also be steady and serious when needed. Above all else, he was devoted to his family and was the kind of man who would help anyone—friend, neighbor, or stranger—without hesitation. He lived a genuine and enduring faith, openly confessing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

His personal life was equally rich. Married first to Diana, with whom he had two sons, Randy and Russell, Ron later married the love of his life, Freddie (Freidenbach) Lahre September 26, 1986. They celebrated 39 years of marriage. Together they adopted two boys in 2003, Josue and Sam Quintana, helping them get a great start in life.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Freddie Preston of Savanna; two sons, Randy (Monica Uphoff, EdD) Preston of Loogootee, Indiana, and Russell (Brenda) Preston of Mt. Carroll; a step daughter, Debbie (Darryll) Lahre-Joyner of Savanna; his adopted sons Josue and Sam Quintana; five grandchildren, Jarek (Charlene) Preston and Brianna Preston, Charlotte Joyner, Addison and Emmerson Quintana; and his brother, Nelson (Jenean) Preston of Apache Junction, Arizona.

He is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Kyle and Zachary Preston; a brother, Joe Preston; and both parents.

Ron’s legacy is one of dedication—to his work, his community, and most of all, his family. His humor, generosity, leadership, and quiet strength will continue to echo in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Mass will be held 12 noon on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Visitation will be held from 9:45 to 11:45 AM Saturday, November 29 at the Law-Jones funeral home in Savanna, prior to the Mass. A luncheon will follow the Mass at Antl Hall. Memorials may be given for local charities. The family is very appreciative of the staff at Big Meadows, for the loving care he received daily during his stay.