Ron Elbe

Ronald Louis Elbe, 73, of Augusta, IL finished his race on earth at 12:13 am Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Ron was born February 23, 1950 to Kenneth and Leola (Mellon) Elbe at their home in Augusta, IL. He married his high school sweetheart Sandy Kraemer on June 6, 1970. Ron served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 during the Vietnam War. When Ron came home from the service, he went right to work at the family car business in Augusta. He never wanted to do anything else except play professional baseball. Ron inherited the nickname “Yogi” when he was young, and his oldest and closest friends called him “Yog.”

Ron is survived by his wife Sandy Elbe and brothers Don (Susie) Elbe and Wes (Chris) Elbe. Ron and Sandy have 3 children Josh (Carrie) Elbe of South Carolina, Justin (Heidi) Elbe of Macomb, and Jessie (Andy) Rector of Macomb.  He has 9 beautiful grandchildren who call him Poppo. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth & Leola Elbe. 

Ron lived and breathed everything cars. Ron raced cars on circle dirt tracks for over 35 years making lots of lifelong friends and memories with his family. Sandy and the kids were his best pit crew. He raced cars, worked on cars, sold cars, and just loved everything about them, especially old Mopars. Ron’s favorite thing to do was spend time at the shop, going to kids’ & grandkids’ ball games, and being at the farm with family.

A visitation will be held at The Crossing in Macomb, IL on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 16th, 2023 at 10 am at The Crossing in Macomb, IL. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Augusta, IL. Memorial contributions can be made to the Southeastern Athletic Boosters.

The Hamilton Funeral Home in Augusta, IL is handling arrangements.