Published on August 22, 2025 6:25 am
Last Updated on August 22, 2025 1:58 pm
Ronald William Kabbes, 86, of Effingham, IL, passed away on August 21 at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, August 25, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, IL with burial following at St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the church. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools or the St. Anthony Booster Club. Bauer Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Ron was born December 29, 1938 in Effingham, IL to parents, William and Agnes Kabbes. He married Joyce (Nacke) Kabbes on January 2, 1960. He was surrounded by athletics all his life. After graduating from St. Anthony High School, he attended Rockhurst College (Kansas City) on a basketball scholarship. After one semester he left school and signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. From 1957-1963 Ron and Joyce enjoyed the life and trials of minor league baseball. They loved every minute of this time and made lifelong friends. After an injury in 1963 and with the responsibilities of a young family, they moved back to Effingham where Ron’s true character was revealed. He worked three jobs and was a scout for the Baltimore Orioles while earning a degree from Eastern Illinois University. Although his athletic career was complete, he spent the next 62 years following, encouraging and supporting his four boys, his 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. After earning his degree Ron was an administrative manager with St. Anthony Memorial Hospital and held multiple administrative positions with IDOT District 7 before retiring in 2004 after 32 years of service. Ron and Joyce enjoyed many competitive rounds of golf together at the Effingham Country Club. Ron was a proud and active lifelong member of St. Anthony Parish.
Ron is survived by Joyce, his wife of 65 years and his sons; Scott (Sue) Kabbes, Brian (Dana) Kabbes, Craig (Tessie) Kabbes and Chris (Pam) Kabbes; grandchildren, Krista (Jake) Niebrugge, Kari (Ray) Zumbahlen, Tyler (Jackie) Kabbes, Kelcey (Jory) Chadwick, Steven (Katherine) Kabbes, Allie (Kennon) Cox, Michael (Jackie) Kabbes, James (Cissa) Kabbes, Katie Kabbes, Elizabeth Kabbes, Joseph (Lauren) Kabbes, Will Kabbes, Anna Kabbes, Gabby Kabbes; and 19 great grandchildren; sister Norma McCollough.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bill, Vic, Frank and Don.