Ronald G. Van Setten

Ronald (Ron) Van Setten, 66, of Matteson IL, passed peacefully at home on February 18, 2023.

Ron was born on March 2, 1956 in Toronto, Ontario to GJ (Harry) and Cornelia (Cora) Van Setten who immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands. His family moved to Matteson, IL in 1960 where he remained a resident.

Ron was the beloved husband of Joyce (nee Klinker); devoted father to Michelle Van Setten and Steven (Kathleen) Van Setten; cherished son of Cornelia (Cora) Van Setten (nee Buis); dear brother of Louise Hummel; and kind uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father GJ (Harry) Van Setten and grandson Isaac Van Setten.

He met his wife, Joyce, when she moved into the neighborhood in 1971 and ended up at his lab table in science class at Rich Central High School. They married in 1975 and have celebrated 47 years of marriage and 50 years together.

Ron was employed by Abex Rail Corp. in February of 1976 hired as a laborer, became a machinist, and was a CNC programmer upon retirement. He spent many years as the Secretary of his local Union. Ron continued employment through many acquisitions with Voestalpine Nortrak being his final employer. He retired after 42 years in 2018 due to health issues.

Ron loved the beach and camping at Van Buren State Park in South Haven, Michigan. For years Ron would take every Wednesday off during the summer and take everyone to the beach at South Haven. He documented his family’s lives through photos and videos. He was dedicated to his animals and could be found walking at Monee Reservoir or at Goodenow Grove. He was a devoted father and would always find time to take his children to museums and historical sights. Ron had an interest in computers from the time they came to be. Upon retirement Ron developed a penchant for kayaking and spent the time he had left living actively, traveling, visiting with the people he cared about and enjoying the outdoors.

Memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 4:00 p.m. at Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd., Steger, IL 60475. Arrangements entrusted to Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel. For more information, please call 708-755-6100 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com