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A photo of Ronald Wilson Reagan

Ronald Wilson Reagan 1911 - 2004

Ronald Wilson Reagan of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA was born on February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Whiteside County, Illinois United States. He married Jane Wyman on January 26, 1940 in Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA and they later divorced on July 18, 1949 in Glendale. They had children Maureen Elizabeth Reagan, Michael Edward Reagan, and Christine Reagan. He would also marry Nancy Davis Reagan on March 4, 1952 in San Fernando, Los Angeles County, and they were married until Ronald's death on June 5, 2004 at Bel Air in Los Angeles. They had children Patricia Ann Davis and Ronald Prescott Reagan.
Ronald Wilson Reagan
President Reagan
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA 90024
February 6, 1911
Tampico, Whiteside County, Illinois, 61283, United States
June 5, 2004
Bel Air in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States
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Ronald Wilson Reagan's History: 1911 - 2004

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  • Introduction

    Ronald Reagan was an American politician, actor, and 40th President of the United States. Born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, Reagan's early life was shaped by his family's struggles during the Great Depression. After graduating from Eureka College in 1932, he worked as a radio sports announcer and actor before eventually turning to politics. Reagan's rise to national prominence began in the 1960s, when he became a popular conservative spokesperson and a vocal opponent of communism. He served two terms as Governor of California, from 1967 to 1975, before winning the presidency in 1980. As president, Reagan is remembered for his staunch conservative policies, his efforts to end the Cold War, and his enduring legacy as a cultural and political icon. Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, but his impact on American politics and culture remains significant to this day.
  • 02/6
    1911

    Birthday

    February 6, 1911
    Birthdate
    Tampico, Whiteside County, Illinois 61283, United States
    Birthplace
  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Ronald Reagan's ethnicity was primarily English, Scottish, and Irish. His paternal grandfather, Michael Reagan, was an Irish Catholic who immigrated to the United States from County Tipperary in the mid-19th century. Reagan's maternal grandparents were of Scottish and English descent. His father, John Reagan, was a shoe salesman and an alcoholic, and his mother, Nelle Wilson Reagan, was a homemaker and a devout Christian Scientist. Despite the challenges posed by his father's alcoholism and his family's limited financial means, Reagan was raised with a strong work ethic and a commitment to traditional American values.
  • Nationality & Locations

    He was born in Tampico, Illinois, and spent much of his childhood in nearby towns such as Dixon and Monmouth. After graduating from Eureka College, Reagan moved to Iowa, where he worked as a sports announcer and radio personality. In 1937, Reagan moved to California to pursue a career in acting. He lived in various locations throughout Los Angeles, including Hollywood, where he worked for Warner Bros. Studios. Reagan's acting career took off in the 1940s and 1950s, and he became a popular leading man in films such as "King's Row" and "The Hasty Heart." In 1967, Reagan was elected Governor of California and moved to the state's capital, Sacramento. He served two terms as governor before being elected President of the United States in 1980. As president, Reagan lived in the White House in Washington D.C., and he also had a ranch in Santa Barbara, California, where he often spent time during his presidency. After leaving office in 1989, Reagan and his wife, Nancy, retired to their ranch in Santa Barbara. Reagan's health began to decline in the 1990s, and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1994. He remained at his ranch until his death in 2004, at the age of 93.
  • Early Life & Education

    Ronald Reagan's education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Tampico, Illinois, where he attended until his family moved to Dixon, Illinois. In Dixon, Reagan attended public schools and was active in sports, drama, and public speaking. After graduating from Dixon High School in 1928, Reagan attended Eureka College, a small liberal arts college in Illinois. At Eureka College, Reagan was a successful student, excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities. He was involved in sports, drama, and student government, and he served as the student body president during his senior year. Reagan graduated from Eureka College in 1932 with a degree in economics and sociology.
  • Religious Beliefs

    Ronald Reagan was raised in a family that practiced Christian Science, a religious denomination that emphasizes spiritual healing and the power of prayer. However, as an adult, Reagan was not an active member of any particular church or religious organization. Throughout his life, Reagan expressed a belief in a higher power and a commitment to traditional American values that were often informed by religious principles. He frequently referenced God and religious themes in his speeches and public statements, and he often spoke about the importance of faith, family, and personal responsibility. Reagan's faith also influenced his approach to politics. He believed in the importance of religious freedom and the separation of church and state, and he often spoke about the role of faith in shaping American society. In his famous speech on the "Evil Empire" in 1983, Reagan invoked religious language and imagery to describe the threat posed by Soviet communism.
  • Military Service

    Ronald Reagan did not serve in the military during World War II due to poor eyesight, but he did contribute to the war effort through his work as an actor and a radio announcer. He served in the Army Reserve during World War II, but was unable to deploy overseas due to his poor eyesight. After the war, Reagan continued to work in entertainment, but he remained interested in military affairs and often spoke out in support of the armed forces. In the 1950s, he served as a spokesperson for the California Army National Guard and was later named an honorary Green Beret. As governor of California in the 1960s and 70s, Reagan supported the Vietnam War and spoke out against anti-war protests. He also oversaw the deployment of National Guard troops during the Watts riots in 1965. During his presidency, Reagan continued to prioritize military affairs, increasing defense spending and supporting military operations overseas. He oversaw the invasion of Grenada in 1983 and supported the Contras in Nicaragua, although his administration was later criticized for its role in the Iran-Contra scandal.
  • Professional Career

    Ronald Reagan had a varied career that included work as an actor, union leader, radio broadcaster, and politician. He is perhaps best known for his two terms as President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. Prior to his political career, Reagan had a successful career as an actor, appearing in over 50 films between 1937 and 1964. He was known for his roles in films such as "King's Row", "Knute Rockne, All American", and "The Killers". Reagan's success as an actor helped to establish him as a public figure and gave him a platform to speak on political issues. During World War II, Reagan served in the U.S. Army Air Forces and made propaganda films for the military. After the war, he continued to work in the entertainment industry, but also became involved in politics, first as a union leader and later as a spokesperson for General Electric. In 1966, Reagan was elected Governor of California, where he served two terms from 1967 to 1975. During his tenure as governor, he implemented conservative policies on taxation, welfare, and education. His success as governor and his popularity among conservatives helped to establish him as a viable candidate for the presidency. In 1980, Reagan was elected President of the United States, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter in a landslide victory. During his presidency, Reagan implemented a conservative agenda that included tax cuts, deregulation, and a buildup of military spending. He also pursued a policy of detente with the Soviet Union, leading to the eventual end of the Cold War.
  • Personal Life & Family

    Ronald Reagan's personal life was marked by his relationships with his family, his second wife Nancy Reagan, and his close circle of friends. Reagan was married twice, first to actress Jane Wyman, with whom he had two children, and later to Nancy Davis, with whom he had two more children. Reagan was known for his charm, optimism, and sense of humor. He had a deep love of country and a strong faith in God, which he often spoke about publicly. Reagan also had a passion for horseback riding and spent much of his free time on his ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Reagan's relationship with Nancy Reagan was a central part of his personal life. The two were married in 1952 and remained devoted to each other throughout their lives. Nancy was a strong influence on Reagan and helped to shape his political career. She was also a devoted advocate for Alzheimer's disease research after Reagan was diagnosed with the disease in 1994. Despite his public persona as a friendly and outgoing person, Reagan was also known for his privacy. He was reluctant to share personal details with the media and preferred to keep his personal life separate from his public persona. Reagan's personal life was not without its challenges, however. His relationship with his son, Michael Reagan, was strained, and he also had a difficult relationship with his father, who struggled with alcoholism. In addition, Reagan's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease in his later years was a difficult and painful experience for him and his family.
  • 06/5
    2004

    Death

    June 5, 2004
    Death date
    Reagan died of pneumonia complicated by Alzheimer's disease.
    Cause of death
    Bel Air in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States
    Death location
  • 06/11
    2004

    Gravesite & Burial

    June 11, 2004
    Funeral date
    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library 40 Presidential Dr, in Simi Valley, Ventura County, California 93065, United States
    Burial location
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13 Memories, Stories & Photos about Ronald

Armand Kunde & Ronald Reagan
Armand Kunde & Ronald Reagan
Armand Kunde & Ronald Reagan presumably while Reagan was governor of California. Ronald was the 33rd governor of California for two terms, the first beginning in 1967 and the second in 1971. He left the office in 1975.
Date & Place: in California United States
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Armand & Joan with Ronal Reagan
Armand & Joan with Ronal Reagan
The signed photograph reads: To Armand & Joan Kunde with very good wishes - Ronald Reagan.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Presidential Task Force - Life Membership
Presidential Task Force - Life Membership
It reads "Mr. Armand Kunde, You have earned the distinction of Life Membership and the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with President Reagan in this exclusive club." and is signed by John McCain and Ronald Reagan.
Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.
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Ronald Reagan
08/06/2023
Ronald Reagan
Ronald President 1980s and 1990s
Date & Place: at Pieter in Highlands Ranch, USA County, USA 80129, United States
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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a museum and library dedicated to the life and legacy of former US President Ronald Reagan. It is located in Simi Valley, California, and was dedicated on November 4, 1991, by President Reagan himself.

The library and museum is situated on a 100-acre campus and includes a variety of exhibits and galleries that highlight the major events and achievements of Reagan's presidency. The exhibits feature a range of artifacts, including personal items such as Reagan's cowboy boots and presidential gifts he received from foreign dignitaries.

One of the main attractions at the library and museum is Air Force One, the presidential airplane used by Reagan and several other presidents. Visitors can tour the plane and learn about the history of presidential air travel.

The library and museum also features a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during Reagan's presidency, along with a replica of the White House's Cabinet Room. Visitors can see what it was like to be in these historic rooms and learn about the decision-making process during Reagan's presidency.

In addition to the exhibits and galleries, the library and museum offers a research library and archives that houses millions of documents related to Reagan's life and presidency. The facility also hosts a variety of educational programs and events, including lectures, film screenings, and special exhibits.
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Emilio Savorgnan & President Reagan
Emilio Savorgnan & President Reagan
Great uncle & aunt with President Reagan: Great uncle (ambassador) with aunt , Nancy and Ronald Reagan in a reception to the Italian embassy 1987.Picture taken in the blue room of the White House.
People in photo include: Ronald Reagan and Emilio Savorgnan
Date & Place: at The White House in Washington, DC 20500, Estados Unidos
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Ronald Reagan's Family Tree & Friends

Ronald Reagan's Family Tree

Parent
Parent
Partner
Child
Sibling
Marriage

Jane Wyman

&

Ronald Wilson Reagan

January 26, 1940
Marriage date
Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA United States
Marriage location
Divorce
Cause of Separation
July 18, 1949
Divorce date
Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA United States
Divorce location
Marriage

Nancy Davis Reagan

&

Ronald Wilson Reagan

March 4, 1952
Marriage date
San Fernando, Los Angeles County, CA United States
Marriage location
Ronald's Death
Cause of Separation
June 5, 2004
Ronald's death date
Bel Air Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA United States
Separation location
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Friendships

Ronald's Friends

Friends of Ronald Friends can be as close as family. Add Ronald's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood.
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16 Followers & Sources
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Other Biographies

Other Ronald Reagan Biographies

Other Reagan Family Biographies

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