Ronald D. Wallis

Ronald D. Wallis, 78, of Sandwich passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich. He was born June 19, 1934 in Sandwich, IL the son of Charles and Ruby (Walters) Wallis. Ronald was a proud member of the 1952 graduating class of Sandwich High School. He married Patricia Mall on December 12, 1953. Ron was a 10 year member of the US Naval Reserve. He was active in family and community affairs. He was one of the first presidents of the Sandwich Sports Boosters Club, when the group bought football uniforms for the Junior High School boys, working with coaches, Don Hughes and Rex Avery. He helped with the Franklin Mall Christmas Project, assisting his in-laws (Frankie and Peg Mall) since its inception. Ron has been a member of the Sandwich Lions Club for nearly 40 years, serving as president for one term. He was appointed, then elected as Sandwich Township Supervisor. Before his retirement, he worked at Allsteel Inc. for 38 years. Later he worked part-time at the Sandwich Opera House, before mowing city property for many years. Ron’s passions in life were spending time with his wife and family, listening to music, and collecting glassware, Wallis Tractor items, Sandwich Fair and City of Sandwich memorabilia. He loved riding his 1964 Cushman Eagle Scooter and entertaining folks at coffee shops and McDonald’s with the history of Sandwich and personal memories.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia; two sons, Kendyl Wallis and Kyle (Bonnie) Wallis both of Sandwich; one granddaughter, Ashley Wallis of Sandwich; four grandsons, Christopher Rhea of Somonauk , Jeremiah Wallis of Burbank, CA, Ryan (Rachel) Wallis of Sandwich and Jason Wallis, Tech. Sgt. in the US Air Force, currently serving in South Korea; two great grandchildren, Sophia Kordick and Sadie Wallis; one sister, Dorothy (Bill) Griffith of Sandwich, IL; one brother, Donald (Ruth) Wallis of Sandwich; several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by two sons, Kevin Wallis and Karl Wallis, and his parents; two brothers, Charles and James Wallis, two sisters, Beatrice Thompson and Marie Gauer, his in-laws, who he considered his second parents, Frank and Peg Mall.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at United Church of Sandwich, 512 Lions Road, Sandwich, IL 60548 with Pastor Jonathan Singleton officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home in Sandwich. Memorials may be directed to Open Door, Fox Valley Older Adults or United Church of Sandwich.