Ronald G. Lender, age 81 of Freeport, IL, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, WI. He was born April 28, 1936 at home in Dakota, IL to the late Walter and Lenora (Snyder) Lender. He was a graduate of Freeport High School. He had served in the United States Marine Corps, 4 ^th Marine Regiment, from 1953 to 1956. Ron married Laquita Clark in 1970; she passed in 2001.

He was a truck driver for over 30 years and had also worked in the tree business since 1959. Ron had founded and owned Ron Lender Tree and Landscaping. He was also City Forester of Freeport. He was a member of the Richland Free Methodist Church and VFW. Ron enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially hunting trips to Wyoming. Above all else, Ron enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by his sons, Eric Lender and Walter Lender both of Freeport; daughters, Teresa (Dennis) Ditsworth of Dakota and Deb(Rick) Hartley of AK; grandchildren, Ronald & Melinda Lender, Stephanie (Casey) Carmichael, Mckenzie Miller, and Matthew Scott; great grandchildren, Jace Corley, Nathan & Chole Carmichael; and Kaydence & Mya Miller; sister, Marlene Winters of Freeport; sister-in-law, Judy Harnish of Freeport; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Laquita; brother, Larry Harnish; and brother-in-law, Harold Winters.