Ronald Duane Houser

Houser, Ronald D.MCFARLAND/SIESTA KEY, FLA. - Ronald D. Houser, age 78, of McFarland passed away peacefully at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Center in Fitchburg on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010. He was born on Sept. 24, 1932, in Madison. Ronald graduated from Madison West High School in 1950. While in high school, "Arch" was a track standout, setting multiple records that stood for many years. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen McKeown on Nov. 14, 1953, in Madison. Ronald started his business career as a sales representative for Eggiman Motor and Equipment Sales in Madison. He went on to be C.E.O. and led the company to national prominence. Ronald enjoyed family activities, travel, his house on the lake and his condo in Florida. He became an avid Sun Prairie Cardinal booster by supporting the many activities of his grandchildren. Ronald was preceded in death by his first love and wife of 53 years, Mary Ellen. He is survived by his second love, Pat Bruden; children, Connie (Mike) Matheson, Steve (Marlene), and Terrie (Rick) Thorstad; and six grandchildren, Brianna and Alex Matheson, Lucas and Trevor Houser, Samantha and Max Thorstad. Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, with the Rev. Curtis P. Everson presiding. Burial will be at Town of Dunn Burying Ground. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. and Bethel Horizons. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Paul Schmidt and the nursing staff at St. Mary's Cardiology and to the wonderful staff at HospiceCare. Memorials: Memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. and Bethel Horizons. Cemetery: Burial will be at Town of Dunn Burying Ground. Visitation: Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010, and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Service: Funeral services will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, with the Rev. Curtis P. Everson presiding.