Ronald L. Grego Jr., age 43 of Holland, was welcomed into his heavenly home on January 1, 2021.
Ronnie was born in Oak Park, Illinois on April 5, 1977 to Ronald and Chris Grego. Growing up Ronnie was a talented athlete and had accepted a scholarship to play Division 1 football at Northwestern University. However, Ronnie’s life was forever changed after contracting encephalitis in 1995.
Although the challenges he faced changed, Ronnie’s attitude never wavered. He played football with the motto “Never Give Up, Failure is Not an Option, Refuse to Lose” and he faced the challenge of relearning to walk, talk and move forward in life with the same determination.
Ronnie was blessed with boldness that allowed him to embrace challenges as he continued to overcome obstacles throughout his life providing inspiration to others. And others were really his focus. Ronnie shared his story and his faith whenever given the opportunity.
Ronnie’s impact on those he met will live on, and his story will continue to be told by those who survive, including his mother, Chris Grego; grandfather, Philip A. Barker; aunts and uncles: Jan and Robert Grande, Connie and Stephen Giere, Ellen and Doug Wickens; as well as many cousins and friends.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Grego Sr.; grandparents: Dorothy J. Barker, Louis and Susan Grego.
Funeral services to honor Ronnie’s life and faith will be at 12:30pm on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Pillar Church, 57 E 10th St, Holland, MI 49423. There will be visitation at church prior to the funeral from 11:00 am-noon on Friday. There will also be visitation from 5:00-7:00pm on Thursday, January 7, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423. Memorial contributions may be given to the Holland Rescue Mission. If you would like to leave a message for the family, please visit, www.langelandsterenberg.com.
