What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."
Obituary
Ronald Bertil Liljeberg, a devoted husband, loving father, dedicated police officer, and electronics technician, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, at the age of 80.
Born on March 22, 1944, to Harry and Lucille Liljeberg in Chicago, Ron grew up with a strong sense of family and community. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gail, with whom he shared 57 cherished years of marriage. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and unwavering support. He also leaves behind his three children: Glen [Shelley], Steven [Elisa], and Jason [Brenda], who, along with his grandchildren Ashley, Wyatt, and Savannah, were a constant source of pride and joy. Ron is also survived by his sister Pat and 6 nieces and nephews. Ron was always there for his family with a listening ear, a helping hand, or a well-timed joke. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by his family and friends.
Ron dedicated a portion of his professional life to law enforcement, serving as a police officer for Franklin Park, Illinois, for 21 years. He approached his work with unwavering integrity, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to protect and serve the community he called home. His colleagues respected him for his dedication to upholding justice and his calm demeanor in challenging situations. Before and after his time in law enforcement, Ron pursued his passion for electronics, showcasing his versatility and commitment to lifelong learning. His electronic skills began with designing circuit boards for the government in his early 20’s and he applied them throughout every part of his life, like when his family moved from Schiller Park, Illinois to Palm Springs California where he continued his career at the Spa Resort Casino for 19 years, working first as a security guard and later repairing the slot machines.
Beyond his professional life, Ron was a guy who loved being home with his family and fixing things. He also enjoyed going on vacations with his family, driving and camping all over the U S and then making movies with Gail about their travels. He enjoyed roller skating, often gliding effortlessly around the rink to tunes from a giant Wurlitzer pipe organ, also where he met his wife. He also enjoyed leisurely bike rides with his wife, music, especially Country and Western, and Gail’s homemade Chocolate Chip cookies. He had a knack for telling jokes and making people laugh, bringing smiles to the faces of those around him. As his family knows, Ron valued the restorative power of sleep, understanding the importance of rest and relaxation.
Memorial
A gathering to celebrate Ron's life and share memories will be held on January 18, 2025, from 11:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Wiefels Funeral Home in Palm Springs. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to attend and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Franklin Park Fraternal Order of Police in Ron's memory. This gesture would honor his dedication to law enforcement and support those who continue to serve his home community.
For donations please mail a check made out to the FOP LODGE 47 and mail to the Franklin Park Police Department, ATTN: FOP 47, 9451 Belmont, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131
Timeline
Gallery
Memory wall
The officer stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as bright as his badge's brass.
"Step forward now, Officer Liljeberg,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
Liljeberg squared his shoulders, met God's gaze,
And said, "No, Lord, I ain't.
'Cause those of us who keep the peace
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work on Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
'Cause the streets are awfully rough.
But I never took a bribe, Lord,
That wasn't mine to take,
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
For my family's sake.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the officer waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Ronald Bertil Liljeberg,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
Who would have thought that we all would eventually land up living in the Palm Springs area years later. They have become dear friends thru the years. My husband, Nick always credited Ron with helping him get started with his law enforcement career and enjoyed discussing their police experiences with him. Ron was a dear, good man and will be surely missed by all that knew him.
