MILWAUKEE - Ronald James “Ron” Oliver, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, at St. Mary's Care & Rehab. He was born on August 12, 1942, in Chicago, Ill., the son of James Francis Gilhully and Evelynn L. (Smith) Oliver and Robert K. Oliver

Ron married Sara Bonura on October 6, 1979, in Madison. He owned and operated a dry ice and CO2 Company, Heller's Carbonic of Milwaukee, Inc. and later a neighborhood tavern, New Entertainers, also in Milwaukee.

Ron was always helping others whenever he could. He mowed lawns for the neighbors and seniors, volunteered at the Brown Deer Senior Center, helped with the senior meal program, and on weekends, helped set up the senior center for parties and church services on Sunday. He was also a Chicago Bears fan, much to the chagrin of his family. Ron and Sara especially enjoyed their annual winter visits to the Polynesian Isles in Florida, where they made many dear friends and made wonderful memories.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Sara; sons, Brian (LeeAnn) Oliver and Keith Oliver; grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew) Chojnacki, Carlie Oliver and Devan Oliver; great-children, Bella and Lincoln Chojnacki, Chloe and Kendall Oliver; sister, Sandy (Richard) Matl; brother, Edward (Sue) Oliver; sisters-in-law, Jeana Haak and Rose (Dave) Schuller; and brothers-in- law, Nick (Laura) Bonura and Carlo (Jill) Bonura. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Francis Gilhully and his parents, Evelynn and Robert Oliver; grandchild, Brandon Oliver; and brother-in-law, Ralph Haak.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

The family would like to thank St. Mary’s Care and Rehab for all the care they provided Ronald.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Ronald James Oliver

August 12, 1942 - April 25, 2025

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