John Robert Ring, Jr., 79, of Galesburg, died at 7:17 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.
He was born August 30, 1943 in Galesburg, the son of John R. and Norma (Klinth) Ring, Sr. John was reared and educated in Galesburg. From a young age, John became a caretaker of his siblings. Later in life, he received his GED. John married Minnie L. Bloss on March 17, 1962. They were blessed with two sons. John and Minnie later divorced, however, the two remained dear friends until her death on October 19, 1982.
John married Ann M. Hawks on October 11, 1974 in East Galesburg. The best friends built a lovely life together in Galesburg, raising their four children. Their favorite family vacations were to St. Louis, with fun-filled days at Busch Stadium, Six Flags, and the St. Louis Zoo. After their children were grown, John and Ann loved to travel, attend baseball games, and spend time with their grandchildren.
John was an exceptional athlete, and as a left-handed pitcher, he was invited to baseball tryout camps, including one with the Detroit Tigers. He passed his love of baseball onto all of his children. In the 1980s, John and his family owned and operated Galesburg Video, the first stand-alone video store in Galesburg. John was also a sportscaster for a few different radio stations including WGIL, WAAG, and WMOI for about 25 years. For many years, John co-hosted Sports Talk with his close friend, the late Ray Smith. He also co-hosted a sports talk radio show, Ring and Ring: On Sports, with his cousin, John Ring. He spent his 30-year career as a Pepsi driver-salesman for G&M distributors. After retiring, John discovered his calling as a bus driver. He drove for both District 205 and, for the past 17 years, Head Start.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Ann Ring of Galesburg; three sons: John Bo Ring of Quincy, Illinois, Steve Ring of Galesburg, and Chris Ring of Las Vegas, Nevada; one daughter, Marianne Ring (Joe Targonski) of Deerfield, Illinois; one daughter-in-law, Dori Oberman of Galesburg; and one bonus daughter, Donna Weeks of Springfield. Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Brittney Mears, Eevee Genesis, Sean Ring, Ben (Savannah Yerkey) Ring, Sam Lonteen, Nathan Targonski, Daniel Targonski, and Lila Targonski; three great-grandsons: Lucas, Azaiah, and Suede; two step great-granddaughters, Emarie Arrington and Cherish Yerkey; one great-granddaughter on the way, Royalty; one brother, Steve Ring of Galesburg; two sisters, Judy Squires and Trudy Ring, both of Bend, Oregon; and a cousin, John Ring. He was preceded in death by his parents.
John was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and had an endless supply of knowledge about his beloved team. He also enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races. Being a bus driver brought John great joy. He adored children and, over the years, hundreds of preschoolers and their families loved “Mr. John.” Most of all, John treasured spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and will be deeply missed.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society or the Community Hygiene Pantry. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
