Ronald “Ron” Grunseth, age 86, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply, friends who respected him, former students who remember him fondly, and a legacy that will continue for generations.
Born on August 20, 1939, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Ron was the kind of man who stayed true to himself throughout his life. In fact, one of his elementary school teachers seemed to have him figured out from the very beginning. On a report card, she wrote, “Very bright and capable, but needs to be watched because he tends toward mischief.” More than eighty years later, most who knew him would agree that assessment held up remarkably well.
For 66 years, Ron shared a remarkable life with his beloved wife, Mary Grunseth (née Davis). The proud father of Buck (Liz), Julie (Doug), and Lolli (Paul), a cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren, and a beloved great-grandfather to seventeen great-grandchildren. He took immense pride in his family and found great joy in watching it grow through the generations.
As a physical education teacher with the Kenosha Unified School District, Ron had a way of teaching lessons without people even realizing it. For over 30 years, he influenced generations of students, teaching them about teamwork, sportsmanship, and life. But teaching was never simply his profession; it was part of who he was. Ron loved sports not only as an educator but as a competitor and a spectator. He played fast-pitch softball into his 50s, finishing his fast-pitch career with Kenosha Tire and earning a place in the Kenosha Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame. Building friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime, attended many sporting events for his children and grandchildren, and was an avid supporter of Wisconsin sports.
Though many knew him as a teacher and athlete, Ron was most at home in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman who found peace in Wisconsin’s woods and waters. Whether pursuing deer or elk, casting a line, or simply mowing his 5-acre lawn, he was happiest outside, particularly at his beloved Huntin Shack in Ingram, Wisconsin. Built largely with his own hands and with the help of family and friends, the cabin was far more than a building; it was a reflection of him. A gathering place where stories were shared, traditions were passed down, buck racks became bigger, and memories were made across generations. For family and friends, the cabin will always be a place where Ron’s presence is felt.
Ron wasn’t the loudest person in the room, nor did he need to be. But when he spoke, people listened. He possessed a quiet confidence, a sharp wit, and a gift for delivering the perfect one-liner, often accompanied by a knowing smirk. Family and friends will forever remember his distinctive whistle, his sense of humor, and his ability to make an ordinary moment memorable. He lived life on his own terms, guided by common sense, strong values, and deep love for his family and friends. He earned respect not by demanding it, but by the way he lived. He was steady, capable, authentic, and dependable, the kind of man people sought out for advice, trusted when things got difficult, and were grateful to have in their lives.
Ron will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary; his family; and the many friends, neighbors, former students, teammates, hunting and fishing partners, and family members whose lives were enriched by knowing him. The mischievous little boy whose teacher said he needed watching never really disappeared. He simply grew into a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, athlete, outdoorsman, mentor, and friend who taught all of us how to live a little better, often without us even realizing it. His lessons, his laughter, his whistle, and his love will remain with us always.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Mount Pleasant, WI 53403. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the memorial service beginning at 2:00 p.m.
