Ronnie L. Gwaltney

Ronnie L. Gwaltney, 60, of Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 25, 2016 at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Ronnie was born July 27, 1956 in Rockford, Illinois, to Aubrey and Donna (Lapp) Gwaltney and son to Jess Bosteder. He lived a life dedicated to the service of others. He served in the United States Air Force and continued as a dedicated police officer for 40 years. Upon retirement form the Freeport Police department he went on to serve as Chief of Police in Pecatonica. In his spare time he also served as local commander in Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the US Air Force; and taught police tactical self defense classes. Ronnie was a loving family man, husband and father; always quick with wit and humor, making friends wherever he went. He married the love of his life, Kim on July 7, 2001 and the couple had 7 fur babies together, including Molly, Pete and Megan who have passed. He is survived by his wife, Kim; his father, Jess; his sons, Shawn Gwaltney of Madison, WI., and Jeremy (Jenna) Boeke of Rockford; daughters, Teresa (Dave) Steinhagen of Crystal Lake, and Tracy Martinez of Machesney Park; grandchildren, Hallie, John, Joseph, Macy, Lauren Boeke, Zachary, Eean Steinhagen, Marco, Carlos, Nadia Martinez; sister, Stephanie Gwaltney; and his fur babies; Hans (his special boy) Holly, Ellie, and Katie. Ronnie was preceded by his mother, Donna Bosteder; father, Aubrey Gwaltney; sister, Julie, and his maternal and paternal grandparents. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday November 2, 2016 at Park Hills Evangelistic Free Church with Rev. Dennis Jarrard officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery in Rockford. Following the burial a reception will be held at the Lombardi Club in Rockford. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Ronnie's memory. Please sign his guestbook and share a story at www.burketubbs.com.