Of Menomonee Falls

Ron entered Eternal Life on March 18, 2024, at age 84. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Paula (née Martens). Loving husband of the late Mary (née Fankhanel), and devoted father of Michael and Kari. Fond Papa to Lauren (Trevor) Kurth, Kailey (Zach) Scepanski, and Luke Nitsche. Proud great grandfather to Chase, Elena, Brody, and Cora. Dear brother of Joyce Pinkepank and JoAnn (Tom) Reagan. He is further survived by other relatives and friends. 

Born and raised in Concordia, Missouri, Ron graduated from Concordia Nebraska and later moved to Wisconsin after taking a call at Immanuel Brookfield, where he met “his bride,” Mary. Mary and Ron bought their forever home in Menomonee Falls in 1969 where they raised their two children. He wore many hats, earning the titles of teacher, principal, coach, and athletic director. Following his teaching career, he worked and later retired as a controller of multiple corporations. 

In his free time, Ron was passionate about his involvement in the Menomonee Falls Community. Strong in his faith, he was an active member of Grace Lutheran Evangelical Church. His winters were spent bowling and his summers golfing, and you could always find him working in the garden or watching Wisconsin Sports. 

He was a hard-working family man and sincere caretaker to those he loved. His favorite people called him “Papa,” and nothing made him light up quite like seeing his great-grandchildren. He greatly enjoyed the last few months of his life at Grace Commons Memory Care. He will be dearly missed and always remembered for his sense of humor and positive attitude. 

Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, W196N9525 Cross View Way Menomonee Falls, from 12pm until time of Memorial Service at 1:30pm and private burial at Union Cemetery, Menomonee Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Grace Lutheran Endowment Fund are appreciated.