Peoria Resident Ronnie Gene Sago Passes Away at 75
Ronnie Gene Sago, a 75-year-old resident of Peoria, Illinois, passed away on October 2, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Born on November 29, 1950, in Randolph County, Arkansas, Ronnie moved with his family to Peoria as a child when his parents sought employment at Caterpillar.
Ronnie worked for International Paper Company in Peoria for many years, serving as a union steward for the Graphic Communications International Union. After the company closed in 1995, he briefly worked for Pony Express before pursuing an education in accounting at Illinois Central College. He later used his degree in accounting roles at Suds Auto and Pearl Automotive, where he remained until his retirement in 2020.
Ronnie was married to Sarah J. McDonald on June 29, 1974, and together they shared a love for NASCAR races and traveling to Oswego, Illinois, to watch funny cars. He cherished his friendships with Gilbert and Vicki Ricks, Steve and Kathy Gaworski, and Jerry and Theresa Horn, some of whom he had shared a bachelor pad with before their marriages.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Jim McDonald. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, siblings, nieces, nephews, and his beloved dog, Chico. Cremation rites have been accorded, and memorial contributions can be directed to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.