MENDOTA - Ronald Lee Rebholz, 63, formerly of Mendota passed away Sept. 20, 2020 at his home in Buchanan, Tenn. surrounded by family after a long battle with brain cancer.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Tony Dieckmann officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday at the funeral home. The family wishes to thank everyone in advance for adhering to COVID guidelines of wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

As a lifetime Chicago Cubs fan the family kindly requests all guests to sport Cubs attire in his honor. Additionally, if you have an old car, a fast car, or just a real cool car, feel free to bring it out to the Moose from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday. The family is trying to send him off with all his favorite things.

Ronald was born March 1, 1957 in Mendota to Earl and Lois (Smith) Rebholz. He married the love of his life, Joann Walzer on July 14, 1979. She preceded him in death on July 13, 2016 after nearly 37 years of marriage.

Ronald graduated from Mendota High School in 1976 with his sister by his side. His junior year he met his high school sweetheart and soul mate Joann. Joann and his sister, Donna did their part on the dance team to cheer on Ronald as he starred on the basketball team averaging 22 points a game. Ronald and Joann welcomed the first of two daughters, Jill Renee, in January of 1984 and their second, Lori Jo, in June of 1985. He was such a proud father and spent every vacation day he had to attend every single athletic event they played in. He may have only had two daughters, but he was a father to so many more. Ronald worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 17 years while residing in Pontiac before moving back into his childhood home. Once back in Mendota, he began working for the City Streets and Parks Department. He then retired after giving 20 hard years to the city he cared so much for. He was known for his love of antique cars, auto detailing, and his favorite furry friend, Oliver. He shared his love of old cars and fast cars so much with his brothers, Raymond and Donald, and brother-in-law, Dean and from attending several car shows with them and watching Donald from the stands when he raced his stock car.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond Rebholz on June 18, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to assist his family with funeral expenses.