Albert Ronald "Ron" Linze

IN MEMORY OF: Albert Ronald “Ron” Linze Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois It is with great sadness that the family of Albert Ronald “Ron” Linze of Murphysboro, IL, announces his peaceful passing on April 15, 2025, in Marion, IL. Ron was the only child of Marguerite and Leonard Linze. He is survived by his children, Mark Linze of Vergennes, IL, Scot (Annette) Linze of White Plains, GA, and Lisa (Dale) Maulding of Atlanta, GA, Donella (Steve) Odum of Pomona, IL, and Shawn (Lisa) Stearns of Murphysboro, IL. He was adored by his nine grandchildren, Britt May, Kelly (Heath) Koberstein, Emily (Charlie) Eisert, Jared (Macayla) Linze, Nathan (Kayla) Maulding, Jacob (Paige) Linze, Molly (Clayton) Berger, Hayden Maulding, Bobby (Tiffany) Wood, and the late Travis Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Linda Presson Linze (1977); and his second wife, Dorella Stearns Linze (2015). Born on October 15, 1936, in Vergennes, IL, Ron graduated from Vergennes High School in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Presson, in 1958. A devoted family man, Ron left his position at Caterpillar in Peoria, IL, in 1957 to return home to care for his ailing father and manage the family farm in Vergennes. He was later joined in the farming business by his son, Mark. Together they farmed for 40+ years while Ron also worked full-time managing the printing and duplicating services at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Ron dedicated 37 years to SIU and was an avid supporter of Saluki basketball and Cardinals baseball. In the mid-1970s, Ron cared for his wife Linda during her prolonged illness until her passing in 1977. In 1984, he married Dorella Stearns, and together they created a beautiful blended family of five adult children. Ron and Dorella enjoyed traveling—especially to national parks, Hilton Head Island, and various destinations in Florida. They cherished time spent making memories with their children and grandchildren until Dorella’s passing in 2015. A skilled builder and mechanic, Ron constructed his family’s first home in Murphysboro and was always ready to troubleshoot any mechanical issue or lend a hand with his children’s building projects. A strong and independent man, Ron worked two jobs for much of his life and served as a single father to his young children. His tireless dedication made it hard for him to accept help later in life. Ron will be remembered for his quiet strength, genuine kindness, unconditional love, frugality, and a few choice words delivered with spirited enthusiasm. His family will forever treasure the memories made with him—camping and fishing at Kentucky Lake, or celebrating holidays in Murphysboro. Despite mobility challenges in recent years, Ron remained sharp-minded and kept close contact with his family, speaking with one or more of his children daily. Affectionately known as Pop, Papa, Albert, or Linzey, Ron will be fondly remembered by his children, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Murdale Gardens of Memory on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jim Easton officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ron’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Albert Ronald "Ron" Linze

October 15, 1936 - April 15, 2025