Died peacefully on February 14, 2021, at age 83. Loving husband of Mary Rose Hess (nee Tumianiec). Father of Patti (Kevin) Rauchholz, the late Jeanine (Michael) Shumaker, and Nancy (Matt) McCoy. Grandfather of Ian Sprague, Connor (Bet) Sprague, Paige Sprague, Nathan Shumaker, Tyler Shumaker, Lianna Shumaker, Max (Katie) McCoy, Olivia (Devonn) Peters, Sam McCoy, and great-grandchild Noel McCoy. Brother of Lois Hess (Jean Mollendorf) and Beverly (Pat) Watson. Brother-in-law of Gerri Hess and Sandy Hess and Frank Tumianiec. Further survived by additional family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Martin and Irene Hess, siblings Mary Ann (George) Rogers, Lucille (Herb) Schmidt, Paul (Dorothy) Hess, Daniel Hess, and Terry Hess.
Ron was born and raised in La Crosse, WI, and graduated from Aquinas High School. He served in the United States Airforce. He worked for St. Joseph Implement Company, Goodyear, and Wisconsin Electric. After retirement Ron continued to keep busy driving school bus, working at the Daytona Speedway, and traveling extensively with Mary.
Ron enjoyed fishing and hunting, woodworking, and being a “Mr. Fix-It”. He instilled a good work ethic in his children and grandchildren. He and Mary spent many years enjoying retirement living in Bear Creek Community in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
The family would like to thank the staff of Brighton Hospice and Heritage at Deer Creek for their care of Ron.
Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Sunday, February 21, 2021, from 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM. Memorial Service at 3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Gathering at Saint Joseph Ridge Parish, W2601 State Road 33, La Crosse, WI 54601, on Saturday, April 24 at 10:00 AM. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.
Ron is “on the road again” for his next great adventure.