Ronald Smejkal

Obituary's Biography:

Ronald (Ron) Alfred Smejkal, 81, a resident of Wildwood, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025 at home. He was born on April 12, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Irvin and Alice Smejkal. Ron moved to Wildwood, Illinois at age 7. 

He was a graduate of Warren Township High  School in 1961, where he met his highschool sweetheart and beloved wife of 62 years, Kathryn (Katy). Ron and Katy got married in June 1962. 

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he was a Fire Control Tech on submarines for 10 years. Ron also worked at the Commonwealth Edison nuclear power plant in Zion, Illinois for 27 years as a senior work analyst. 

Ron was a square dance caller for 16 years and was the Walk ‘N’ Dodgers club caller from 1989-2001. 

Ron spent much of his time walking forest preserves or Gurnee Mills mall with his wife, Katy, where he learned to say good morning and good afternoon to people in 16 different languages. He also enjoyed adding to his various collections. Ron was known in the area as the keychain guy. He gathered an impressive collection over the years that totaled 56,700 different keychains. 

Ron was hardworking, generous, reliable, and was always willing to do anything for his family. He will be missed dearly. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Katy) Smejkal; his four children, James (Linda) Smejkal, Ron (Sharel) Smejkal, Tabitha Zaehringer, and Jon Smejkal; his grandchildren, Thomas Smejkal, Josh Smejkal, Tony Smejkal, Marissa Zaehringer, and Andrew Zaehringer; his sister, Lorraine (Glen) Hett of Sheridan, Wyoming; and his many nieces and nephews. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.