Ronald L. Ryan
May 24, 1951 - October 18, 2022
Obituary
FITCHBURG - Ronald L. “Ron” Ryan, age 71, of Fitchburg, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, at Attic Angel Health Center, surrounded by family. He was born on May 24, 1951, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of William and Frances (Hicks) Ryan.
Ron graduated from Central High School in 1969 and from the UW-Whitewater in 1973 with a business degree. He was united in marriage to Teri Volenberg on Aug. 27, 1977, in Madison.
At age 5, Ron’s family relocated to Madison, where his dad purchased Overhead Door Company of Madison. Growing up he played hockey and softball. He started working summers for his dad and ended up taking over the family business and had been working six days a week up until a short time ago. He put his heart and soul into the business and it made him very proud to turn over the reins to his son, Jeff, along with his son-in-law, John Gradel.
Ron enjoyed golfing, fishing, listening to ‘60s music, restoring and driving his classic cars, travelling, being a Badgers football, hockey and basketball season ticket holder, and coaching Pee Wee hockey and little league. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling and hearing stories. He loved being together with his family and serving up his famous taco sauce and homemade pizza. Playing euchre was a family favorite and it was not unusual for him to call a loner hand with an off-suit jack and a nine and ten of trump.
Ron will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He suffered through many years of failing health and although it was challenging at times, he loved life and fought hard and never lost his determination to live.
Ronald is survived by his wife, Teri; three children, Courtney (John) Gradel, Kelly (Benjamin Lee) Ryan and Jeffrey Ryan; three grandchildren, Evan Gradel, Frances Lee and Lucetta Lee; brother-in-law and cribbage buddy, Mike Volenberg; brother-in-law, Howard Volenberg; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022.
The family wishes to thank Peggy, Nicole and Amy at St. Croix Hospice and the staff of Agrace HospiceCare and Attic Angel for all of their compassionate care given to Ron and his family.
Memorials may be gifted in Ron’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.