Ronald D. Dodge

Ronald D. Dodge, 83, of Manteno, IL, passed away on July 17, 2025, at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee, IL. He was born on August 4th, 1941 in Peoria, IL, to Robert and Darlene (Witherspoon) Dodge. He grew up in Moline, IL, before marrying the love of his life, Gale K. Gillenwater, on December 21, 1960, in Lacon, IL. Ron was a dedicated educator and coach, touching the lives of countless students and athletes throughout his career. He taught Social Studies at Galesburg High School from 1964 to 1967, also serving as an assistant wrestling coach. In 1967, he made his home in Manteno, where he spent the remainder of his career. He taught Social Studies and later served as the district librarian until his retirement in 1999. During his time in Manteno, he also coached wrestling from 1967 to 1985, girls' track from 1985 to 1999, and cross-country and volleyball. His passion for helping young people succeed extended beyond the classroom, where he impacted the lives of many students and athletes. Ron’s contributions to both his community and the broader Illinois region were nothing short of remarkable. With a passion for service, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. In addition to his extensive work in education, he was a steadfast member of local governance, serving as a trustee on the Manteno Village Board for nearly a decade, first from 1986 to 1994 and again from 1997 to 2002. His commitment to public service continued as he served on the Kankakee County Board from 2010 to 2014, where his leadership and compassion made a significant impact. Ron’s dedication to those in need extended far beyond local politics. His long-time involvement with Illinois Special Olympics, spanning nearly 35 years, touched countless lives. As an Area Director, Director of the Illinois Special Olympics State Softball Tournament, and umpire at the Minneapolis Special Olympics World Games, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusion and athleticism for individuals with disabilities. In recognition of his exceptional volunteer work, Ron and his wife, Gale, were honored as Volunteers of the Year in 2004. Additionally, Ron’s heart for service led him to advocate for individuals at the Shapiro Developmental Center, providing support and a voice for those who needed it most. Ron’s love for his community was recognized when he was named Manteno Citizen of the Year in 2022. He was also an active member of the Manteno United Methodist Church, serving in a variety of roles over the years. A true lover of life’s simple pleasures, Ron had a deep fondness for dogs, woodworking, puzzles, camping, and was an avid NASCAR fan. One of his favorite routines was spending his early mornings at McDonald’s, enjoying coffee and conversation with his buddies. He was also passionate about collecting die-cast cars and antique toys. In addition, he served as a Boy Scout counselor and enjoyed officiating softball, cross-country, and track events. Ron’s legacy lives on through his family: his loving wife of 64 years, Gale; his daughters, Robin Hamann and Don Snyder of Manteno, IL, and Rebecca Ganger and Robert Brouillette of Bradley, IL; his three grandchildren, Jordan (Mark) Potempa of Oswego, Zach (Mackenzie) Ganger of Kankakee, and Steven (Vanessa) Hamann of Bourbonnais; and seven great-grandchildren, Hunter, Cayden, Briar and Graham Potempa, and Cassius, Lucien, and Savine Ganger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Darlene (Witherspoon) Dodge. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Manteno United Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service. Memorial donations may be made to the Manteno United Methodist Church. Ronald leaves behind a lasting legacy of dedication, service, and love. His impact on his family, students, athletes, and community will not be forgotten.