Ronald M. Putlack

Ronald Miles Putlack, age 66, passed away on April 10, 2024, due to complications from surgery. A long-time restaurateur and real estate agent, Ron's entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life touched many in his community and beyond. Born in Glencoe, Illinois, and a graduate of New Trier West High School in 1975, Ron's love for sports and cooking began early. He continued his athletic pursuits, playing softball at Columbia College in Missouri. He later met his beloved wife Joan on a Co-Ed softball team in the summer of 1982. They married in November 1983 and together had two sons, Michael and Charlie. The family moved to Loveland, Colorado, in 1992. Ron was known as “Chef Ron” during his tenure as a real estate agent, a nod to his culinary skills that he joyfully shared with friends and family at his home. His professional journey in the restaurant industry began at the age of 20 when he opened Irving’s for Red Hot Lovers, a Chicago-style hot dog joint. He next became a franchisee of Popeye’s Fried Chicken in downtown Chicago and later opened a Charley’s Grilled Subs in Loveland. His most cherished moments were the busy weekend shifts at Charley's, working alongside his wife and sons. Ron was a dedicated Bulls and Blackhawks season ticket holder, and his love for the Nuggets, Cubs, and Bulls was only surpassed by his passion for cooking—especially smash burgers and cheesesteaks on his Blackstone flat grill, which he claimed “changed his life.” Ron also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with his family to spend time at the pool and play blackjack with his sons while relishing the city's vibrant energy. Ron's humor will be remembered by all who knew him. He loved walking around Steamboat Springs, spending time by the Yampa River, and never missed an opportunity to make those around him smile. He is survived by his wife Joan (65), sons Michael (36) and Charlie (33), Michael’s partner Kim (34), brother Mitchell Putlack (67) and his husband Gary (73), and sister Cheri Brill (60) and her husband Aron (59), and dog Milli (15). Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Rae and Mickey Putlack. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 26th from 11am to 4pm, with remembrances at 1pm. The event will be hosted in Loveland, and attendees are requested to RSVP by May 21st at Ron.Putlack.com. The family invites friends and loved ones to share in remembering Ron's remarkable life. Ron was the best dad and father, and he will never stop being loved and missed by his family.