Ronald M. Starkey

MADISON-Ronald M. Starkey, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012. He was born on May 4, 1938, in Superior, the son of Joseph and Emerald Starkey. Ronald married Delores Launder on April 12, 1957, in Madison. He received a second chance at life in 2002, having a lung transplant, and was able to be a part of nine more grandchildren’s lives. Ronald loved to cook and eat; he grew tons of tomato plants and enjoyed sharing. He was known for his great sense of humor, being a huge jokester, and his ability to talk with anyone. Ronald loved playing the lottery, fishing, attending antique car shows, and talking about current events with his family. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and a skilled artist. Most of all, Ronald enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandkids. He is survived by his five children, Cindy Starkey, Kathy (Joe) Waite, Laura (David) Laundrie, Tanya (Jim) Zempel, and Ronnie (Gina); 11 grandchildren, Sheena Starkey (Brandon), Cody Matthews, Patrick Waite (Holly), Kallie Waite (Brett), Tyler Kaech (Megan), Sara (John) Losse, Courtney, Riley and Easton Zempel, and Arianna and Carter Starkey; six great-grandchildren, Angelina, Kian, Kaden, Mason, Brandon, and Lucas; sister, Darlene Schuett; and goddaughter, Susie Launder. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delores; and Juan Bernal. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, with Father Tony Schumacher presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UW Transplant Program, c/o UW Hospital and Clinics, Attn: Colleen Fraser, 600 Highland Ave., H4/810, Madison, WI 53792. Dad, we love you and will miss you dearly, but take comfort in knowing you’re finally reunited with mom. Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UW Transplant Program, c/o UW Hospital and Clinics, Attn: Colleen Fraser, 600 Highland Ave., H4/810, Madison, WI 53792. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, with Father Tony Schumacher presiding.