Ronald E. Berkman

Ron Berkman, 86, passed away on June 20, 2026, in Urbana, Illinois.

Ron was born in 1939 to Vincent and Geneva Nell (Homsley) Berkman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jacquie; his son, Erik (Cara) of White Heath, Illinois; and his son, Douglas (Jodi) of Champaign, Illinois. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will fondly remember his wry smile and warm presence.

Ron grew up in the Chicagoland area, where he and his older brother, Conrad, developed a lifelong love of railroading and aviation. Countless hours were spent at the rail yard and building and flying control-line and radio-controlled airplanes. He also discovered a passion for motorcycling, later sharing many stories of adventures through all kinds of weather during his early riding years.

Ron met and fell in love with Jacquie, and as he said, “That was it—it was just us all the time.” Together they built a life centered on family, shared interests, and enduring companionship.

After advancing through the ROTC program at Navy Pier, Ron moved to Champaign-Urbana to attend the University of Illinois, where he studied sociology and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. His first son, Erik, was born in 1962, followed by his second son, Douglas, in 1969.

Motorcycling remained one of Ron’s great passions throughout his life, and he continued riding well into his seventies. Jacquie shared his enthusiasm and rode her own motorcycle alongside him on many adventures. The couple also enjoyed ballroom dancing and spent many years attending dances together.

Cats were constant companions in Ron’s life, and countless fortunate felines enjoyed his affection and generous spoiling. He was also a founding member—member number three—of the Monticello Railway Museum, where he volunteered and worked on projects throughout much of his life. His passion for steam locomotives was unmatched, and he shared that enthusiasm with countless friends, fellow railroad enthusiasts, and customers through his home-based hobby business, Berkman Company.

Berkman Company provided radio-controlled models, model railroad supplies, custom painting, and repair services. Ron was also a licensed amateur radio operator, holding the call sign KA9CAP. Long before modern communication made global connections commonplace, he enjoyed talking regularly with people around the world through amateur radio.

Throughout his life, Ron worked in a variety of fields, including social work and retail service. Whether through railroading, aviation, motorcycles, amateur radio, dancing, or the many friendships he formed along the way, Ron pursued his interests with enthusiasm and shared them generously with others.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820, is honored to assist the family with funeral arrangements.

Please join Ron's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.