Ronald "Pick" Claude Pickands

Ronald Claude Pickands, age 87, of Crete, Illinois, passed away Friday, September 8, 2023. Beloved husband of Emeline Pickands nee Burnell and the late Gloria Szelung. Loving father of Cary Jon (Rebecca) Pickands and Scott Lyle (Kimberly) Pickands and step-father of Elizabeth (John) Jemilo and the late Brian Poelstra. Cherished grandfather of Scott Logan, Lynsey, Garrett, Gavin, Chad, the late Adam, Kayla and Tyler. Dear great-grandfather of Dylan, Abigail, Dominic, Nolan, Wyatt, Marley, Waylon and Johnny. Ronald was a proud veteran and served the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He graduated Mt. Carmel Highschool where he played football. After his time in the service, he went on to become a Dental Technician and worked alongside of his father Claude. He loved watching his grandkids play hockey, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer and cheerleading. Ronald will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation to be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at Smits – Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd. Steger, Illinois 60475. Inurnment to be held at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.  For more information, please call 708-755-6100 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com