Ronald W. "Ron" Bratcher, 56, 0f East Dubuque, IL, passed away, on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at home.

Private services for family will be on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, with Rev. Dean Smith officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 P/M to 8 P/M, on Friday, October 28, 2016, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque.

Ron was born on January 23, 1960, at St. Joseph's Hospital, in Phoenix, AZ, the son of Richard and Cherie (Mulkey) Bratcher.  He married Lisa Theill, on June 13, 1992, in Glendale, AZ.

Ron was employed as a machinist at A. Y. McDonald Mfg Company.

His great passions were fishing and hunting.

"I am a fisherman.  It is not merely something I do, it is who I am.  Fishing is not simply my escape, it is where I truly belong.  It is where I am supposed to be.  It is not a place I go, but a lifelong journey that I am on.  It is a passage that my father has shown to me, and one that I will show to others.  Once you understand this, then you will know who I am.  And we will fish together even from far away." - Unknown

Surviving are his wife, Lisa; three (3) children, Tara (Jay) Spataro, of Scottsdale, AZ, Amber and Colton Bratcher, both of East Dubuque, IL; his parents, his father, Richard (Judy) Bratcher, of Frostproof, FL, and mother, Cherie, of Camano Island, WA; two brothers, Jeff (Denise) Bratcher, of Glendale, AZ, and Ricky (Lindy) Bratcher, of Santa Paula, CA; his father and mother-in-law, Mervin (Rosie) Theill, of East Dubuque, IL; in-laws, Randy (Laurie) Theill, of Kieler, WI, Bobby (Pamela) Watkins, of San Tan Valley, AZ, Jeff (Deb) Theill, of East Dubuque, IL, Julie Theill, of Geneseo, IL, Jamie Theill, of Hazel Green, WI, and Jason Theill, of Davenport, IA; along will many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Craig; and his grandparents, Paul and Juanita Mulkey.

In lieu of flowers, a Ronald W. Bratcher Memorial Fund has been established.

Ron's family would like to extend a special "thank you" to the East Dubuque and Jo Daviess Ambulance Services and Police Departments.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com