Ronald V. Uphoff

Ronald V. Uphoff, age 85, of Charleston, IL (formerly of Arcola, IL) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. He was born August 25, 1938 in Mattoon, IL, the son of Vernon and Marietta (Kindel) Uphoff.  On December 6, 1959 he married Darlene Schultz at the Zion United Church of Christ in Arthur, IL.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-three years, Darlene Uphoff of Charleston, IL. Children, Jon Uphoff (Nikki) of Charleston, IL and Linda House (Bill) of Mattoon, IL.  Grandchildren, Derek Hardin (Sara) of Genoa City, WI, Curtis Uphoff of Mattoon, IL, Jonah Uphoff, Veronica Uphoff and Ryan Uphoff all of Charleston, IL.  Great grandchildren, Ethan Hardin, Kaelyn Hardin, Owen Hardin and Daniel Hardin all of Genoa City, WI and Landon Uphoff of Mattoon, IL. Brothers, David Uphoff (Carole) of Chandler, AZ and James Uphoff of Mattoon, IL, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Sue Uphoff.

In his younger years, Ron was active in 4-H, showing Polled Hereford cattle, member of the Walnut Grove Christian Church in Arcola IL, active in FFA, student council and band.  Before graduating from Arcola High School in 1956, he was a member of the Purple Riders football team all four years, playing on the undefeated Okaw Valley Championship teams during the 1954 – 1955 and 1955 – 1956 seasons. 

After marrying, Ron and Darlene moved to a farm north of Charleston, raising their family on a livestock and seed farm.  Along with his brothers, they cared for their family farms and eventually opened Uphoff Brothers Seed Company in the mid-1960's.  In 1997, Ron started working at PSL Genetics in Tipton, IN.  His professional career was not only dedicated to farming but also to seed research and development.  Also in 1997, Ron began growing and selling sweet corn locally in the Charleston and Mattoon area.  Along with his son and grandson, they became a fixture in the farmers market community and could often be seen with four generations of Uphoff's at the stand. 

Throughout the years, Ron was involved in numerous organizations including Soil and Water Conservation, Regional Planning, Farm Bureau Young Farmers, Illinois Crop Improvement Association, Indiana Seed Trade Association, Shriners International of Danville IL, Masonic Lodge #35, Elks Lodge #623, and Moose Lodge #1175 all of Charleston, IL.

Ron enjoyed playing golf and rooting for the Fighting Illini and Chicago Bears. His love and skill of grilling lead him to becoming a frequent judge for the Central Illinois Bragging Rights State Championship Barbeque in Arthur Illinois.  

Services will be conducted on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr. in Charleston, IL.  Masonic Rites provided by the Charleston Lodge will begin at  2:30 p.m.  Memorial services will begin at 3:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Steve McCann.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Inurnment will be in Dodge Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 and The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 or online at www.donate.als.org.

To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.  Adams Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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