Ronald W. Haldeman, 79, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Born on April 27, 1946, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, he was the beloved son of the late Paul A. and Bonnie (Talbert) Haldeman, Sr.
On August 3, 1968, Ron married his soulmate, Shelly A. (Jones) Haldeman. Their 56-year love story was a beautiful testament to enduring love and devotion.
Ron served his country with pride and distinction in the United States Army. He was a dedicated member of I.A.M. Local #837 and applied his talents and creativity as a pattern maker to several companies before founding his own business, Gateway Tooling Technology. Ron's work was instrumental in designing many notable memorials and sites across the country, including the baseballs for the new Busch Stadium and the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial project.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ron had a keen eye for the elegance and beauty of traditional muscle cars, especially Corvettes and Camaros. He had a deep love for animals and birds and enjoyed listening to the classic songs of his youth, particularly those by The Beach Boys. Above all, he was a family man and cherished every moment spent with them. Ron will be remembered for his True Americana spirit—proudly serving his country, cruising in a muscle car, and turning up the surf rock tunes of The Beach Boys. Ron leaves behind a legacy of creativity, dedication, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard S. Haldeman; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles R. and Dorothea L. Jones; and his sister-in-law, Sherri Druck.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Shelly A. (Jones) Haldeman, of Granite City, Illinois; his sons, Benjamin T. (Nicole) Haldeman, of Granite City, Illinois and Joshua M. (Tricia) Haldeman, of Collinsville, Illinois; his granddaughters, Olivia Wicks and Emilee Haldeman; his brothers, Paul A. (Jackie) Haldeman, Jr. and Michael Haldeman; his niece and nephews, Sarah Shulman, James Haldeman, Jeffrey Fasick, Adam Fasick, and Aaron Druck; his sister-in-law, Sheila (Randy) Schum; his brother-in-law, Dr. Norman Druck; and many other relatives and friends.
Memorials are appreciated to the American Brain Tumor Association – ABTA. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois.
Funeral: Services will follow at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Irwin Chapel. Interment will be held privately in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
