Ronald Eugene Bachmann, 56, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at St. Clare's Hospital in Fenton, Missouri, after an apparent heart attack.
Ron was born in St. Louis, Mo., on October 29, 1961, and was one of three children born to Richard Jack and Diane (Moller) Bachmann.
He grew up in South County and graduated in 1980 from Lindbergh High School where he excelled in athletics. He earned a full scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he was a proud member of the Cornhusker football team that included an opportunity to play in the 1983 Orange Bowl, in which the Cornhuskers beat the LSU Tigers 21-20.
Football was just the beginning of his larger than life experiences. He was a well known ambassador for Team Bigfoot throughout his distinguished career. In the latter part of the 80's Ron found himself as a notable crew guy within the newly founded sport of Monster Truck Racing. Traveling to Japan in 1988, Ron became the first person to travel internationally with a monster truck. In 1993, with a partnership with Firestone, Team Bigfoot pulled together and designed a truck that would be larger than life, just like its driver.
Bigfoot 12 was born and #12 will be forever be Ron's truck. If it was a major event, whether it be the Indy 500, or the CMA/CMT Awards, Ron was there. Bigfoot 12 and Ron were also featured in the Alan Jackson's "Who's Cheatin Who" video.
In 2012, Ron obtained a love for Ghost Hunting, after visiting the Cheney Mansion for the very first time. It became a passion of his, not just for the hunt of the spirits, but the relationships and camaraderie that it presented. He became very attached to the Cheney Mansion, and it became a integral part of Ron's life.
For that reason, it was the perfect location for his marriage to the former Michelle Beatty in a Christmas wonderland ceremony on December 20, 2014.
Surviving are his wife, Michele Bachmann of Jerseyville; his mother, Diane Bachmann of Jerseyville; a sister, Terry Pitucha of Washington, Mo; a brother and sister in-law, Daniel and Tina Bachmann of Williston, ND; his father in-law and mother in-law, Robert and Anna Beatty of Jerseyville; two brothers in-law, Bruce Beatty and Mark Beatty both of Jerseyville; as well as nieces and nephews, Joe and Kim Bachmann, Chris and Courtney Pitucha, Eric Pitucha, Jared and Krista Beatty, Brandon Beatty, and his companion, Shelby Booth, and Krista Beatty, and her companion, Aaron Sandifer; a great niece and nephew, Avery Bachmann and Kennedy Ann Pitucha; along with a host of wonderful friends and coworkers through the country.
In addition to his father, Richard Bachmann, he was preceded in death by a special grandmother, Wilma Elliott.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. at the Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville, with Lorna Hagen and Rev. Deb Lawson officiating.
Bigfoot 12 will lead Ron to his final resting place at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to the Cheney Mansion in Jerseyville.
Everywhere Ron went, he was loved, and everyone knew "The Big Man". He will be deeply missed by family, teammates and fans alike, and that's what it was all about in Ron's eyes, being the very best at his job and building lasting relationships.
Condolences may be left at www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of the arrangements.
