Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Luther Hillstrom 

January 15, 1938 - December 24, 2025 

Dr. Ronald Luther Hillstrom, 87, of Spring Valley, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the Illinois Veteran’s Home at LaSalle, where he had been a resident for the last 2 ½ years.

Funeral services for Ron will begin at 11:30 AM, Monday, December 29th, 2025 at the Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. 

Ronald was born in Chicago on January 15, 1938, to Glen and Naomi (Halbert) Hillstrom. He married Sandra M. Garland on August 10, 1963 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Spring Valley. She preceded him in death on November 29, 2008.

Ron was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1955-1959. He valued education and received numerous degrees throughout the years, graduating from Central YMCA High School in Chicago, L-P-O Junior College in 1965, Southern Illinois University with B.S. in 1968, Southern Illinois University with a Master of Science in Education in 1970, and Texas A&M University with a Doctor of Philosophy in 1974. He retired in 1994 from a long teaching career, including the last 20 years at LaSalle-Peru High School. He regularly said that he taught "the most amazing and brilliant young people in America." Ron was a member of the former Immaculate Conception Church, where he also served as a trustee, the Carpenter’s Union Local #174, and the Teacher’s Union.

Ron is survived by his children, Erik (Stephanie) Hillstrom of Brodhead, WI, Amanda Hillstrom of Spring Valley, and Matthew (Jodi) Hillstrom of Boca Raton, FL; his grandchildren, Owen Hillstrom of Brodhead, WI, and Macy and Teagan Hillstrom of Boca Raton, FL; his brother, Rich (Susane) Hillstrom of Naples, FL; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Hillstrom; and his sister, Beverly Pruitt.