Ronald K. Fechner, 82, of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital, Pleasant Prairie, WI. He was the pillar of his family and will be remembered as the strongest, smartest, most generous, and most determined man to grace their lives.
Ron touched many hearts throughout his life, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, love, sharp wit, and determination.
Born on Jan. 24, 1944, in Kenosha, WI, Ron was the son of the late Wesley Fechner and Ann Fechner (Lorenzo).
In his youth, he made a name for himself at Bradford High School, where he continues to hold unbeaten track records. He was so proud of this achievement. When anyone who would listen was over, he would break out his high school scrapbook, letter jacket, and awards to show them off. Ron was inducted into the Bradford Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 at an awards dinner with his proud family in attendance.
Ron had a mind that, up until the day he passed, was still as sharp as a tack and ears that could hear from a mile away! “Ron, my grandpa, had a steel-trap memory; he could effortlessly recite the Gettysburg address by heart to anyone who asked,” reported by one of his grandsons.
He worked at American Motors after High School on the 3rd shift while attending Parkside College, as well as supporting his wife and one child at that time, until graduating with a degree in Fluid Power. He was the first graduating class in Kenosha with a Fluid Power Degree.
He then worked in the Factory at Dynamitic-Eaton Corp., moved up the ladder to become a Senior Buyer and Supervisor. He later took a job at Linear Rubber Corp. in sales, where he sold rubber mats for horse stalls and gyms all over the world. He sold mats to many famous celebrities as well. His job at Linear Rubber offered him the luxury of traveling all over with his wife, and sometimes his youngest child, Stefanie.
Throughout his life, his hard work, determination, and dedication to his wife and children. He always worked his regular job, as well as many side jobs after his main job, including laying cement, electrical jobs, scrapping metal, working down at the Docks at Kenosha Harbor loading ships, just to name a few.
Ron’s work ethic made it possible for his wife, Carole, to stay home and raise their three children, Julie, Kristen, and Stefanie, as well as take yearly family vacations. Most of the time, their family chooses Disney World for their yearly family vacation.
Ron loved going to the family cabin often on Little Green Lake in Markesan, WI. He loved going out on the pontoon and getting lots of sun. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed many hunting trips with good friends, Bob Wagner and Jared Trewyn.
Ron also loved his Chris-Craft Wooden boat that he had had for years. Finally, in the last few years, he got it completely restored and running.
Ron enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friends, Jeanne Brush, Bob, and Diane Wagner. They would often take gambling trips, which he and his wife loved to do.
On July 21, 1963, Ron married his High School sweetheart, Carole Ann Kirby. Ron was the ultimate family man – a dedicated provider who poured unconditional love into his home, wife, and children, and made sure they were always taken care of.
A familiar face in the community, Ron was a member of the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14 and the Kenosha Moose Lodge #286. He and his family attended North Side Bible Church and later Emmanuel Baptist Church. Ron enjoyed many family parties, attending and hosting.
He loved playing cards in his earlier years with his wife and in-laws, and family and friends, with a weekly card club. The kids fondly remember the weeks when it was held at Ron’s house, it being so filled with laughter and hands banging the cards down on the table till the early morning hours, not being able to sleep.
Ron continued to play cards several days a week with great friends, Dee Hagawald, Cathy Rowe, Craig Martin, Clark Page, and many more.
Ron is now peacefully reunited in heaven with his bride, the love of his life, Carole Anne Kirby Fechner. Ron is also preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Ann, who died at birth; and a grandson, “Baby Matt” McDaniel, who died in infancy at 3 months following complications after surgery for a heart condition. He was preceded in death by his father, Wesley Fechner, and mother, Ann Fechner.
He leaves behind three daughters, Julie Shilhavy, Kristen (Matthew) McDaniel, and Stefanie (John DeYoung) Staton; three grandchildren, Justin (Carly Frieman) Tawwater, Joshua Shilhavy, and Matthew McDaniel; one great-grandson, Dustyn McDaniel, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
