Ronald Hawotte

Ronald Frank Hawotte, 79, of Washington, IL, passed away peacefully into the safekeeping of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 5:18 pm, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born on May 26, 1943, in Peoria to Frank and Muriel (Nesselhaus) Hawotte. He married Cynthia Bazzetta (aka Muffin) on May 2, 1992, at Glen Oak Park Botanical Gardens in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Ronald Hawotte Jr. (Ellen) of Peoria; Kim (Eric) Krause of Kewanee; Cody Hawotte of Peoria; Andrew (Renee) Bazzetta of Morton and Raianna Hawotte-Crisfield of North Dakota; 4 grandchildren, Chelsea, Lindsea, Sydney, Mitchell; one great-grandchild, Christian and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Marvin Wytcherly, Glen Wytcherly and sister Rosemary Pratt. He served in the U.S Army Big Red One 1st Infantry Division 1961-64. He served 30 years on the Peoria Police Department, retiring as Sergeant in 1995. He also worked security at the Peoria Journal Star for 18 years, Hirtz Detective Agency, MSI Security, General Security Services Corp., the Federal Building, downtown Peoria, and later J.M. Industrial Supply.

Ron was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and also enjoyed supporting the St. Louis Cardinals, so long as they weren't on a losing streak. He was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge, a history buff and could often be found with his nose buried in fiction novels and anything else which peaked his interest. His greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He never knew a stranger, loved babies, and If you knew him for very long it usually meant you were getting a nickname, his term of endearment. He never held back letting you know what he was was thinking which earned him the title "ornery". Ron loved a challenge and when he put his mind to it, there wasn't anything he couldn't fix. Ron will always be remembered for his wit, unique sense of humor, and the many stories he told about his years on the police force. He was the life of the party and will be sorely missed.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, June 23, 2023, at Faith Church in Washington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A gathering of friends and family will follow in the fellowship hall at the church. In honor of Ron's love for the Chicago Bears, feel free to wear your favorite sports team apparel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Church, 2354 Hollands Grove Road, Washington, IL 61571 where he has been a member since May 2012. Condolences and memories may be shared through www.masonfuneralhomes.com.