Ronald Maurice Frere, 76, of Rock Island, formerly rural Milan, Illinois, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Avenue, Milan, Illinois. A private graveside service will be held at Chapel Grove Cemetery, Taylor Ridge, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Black Hawk College Scholarship Fund in Ron's memory.

Ron was born on January 1, 1949, in Rock Island, the son of Cyreal M. and Florence (Mortensen) Frere. He graduated from Rockridge High School in 1967 and attended Black Hawk College. On June 21, 1969, he married the love of his life, Candace R. Wangelin, in Sherrard.

A lifelong farmer, Ron made his home on the family farm in rural Milan from 1969 until 2015. Alongside his dedication to farming, he worked for 10 years at American Air Filter before joining John Deere Harvester Works as an electrician, where he proudly served for 30 years, retiring on April 1, 2008.

Ron had a lifelong passion for cars and was a proud member of the Quad City Vintage Rods Car Club for more than 40 years. Whether restoring, showing, or simply talking about cars, he found great joy in the hobby and in the friendships it brought him.

Those left to cherish Ron's memory include his wife of 56 years, Candy; daughter, Carey Frere; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Kay Frere, Ricky and Deb Frere, and Kelvin and Kathy Frere; and 9 nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Ron's family at www.wheelanpressly.com.