Ronald Roy Bredeson

Madison - Ronald Roy Bredeson, age 73, passed away on Saturday,October 30, 2010. He was born in Madison, on May 7, 1937, the son of Roy and Pearl (Osmundson) Bredeson. He lived a very active life! Ron proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. In 1962, he began working for the Wisconsin Telephone Company, retiring in 1994 due to poor health. During his career, he was very active in the labor union. He served as president of the Communication Workers Of America Local Union #5530 (currently known as Union #4630). From 1979 until 1998, Ron served on the last bargaining council, representing Wisconsin in the final round of bargaining for AT&T. During this time Wisconsin Bell transitioned into Ameritech. Ron also served on the citizens council for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and the Madison Police and Fire Commission from 1985 until 1994. Ron loved life and he wanted to live forever. He had a variety of interests, but his passion was for fishing. Ron truly enjoyed fishing in Canada, and taking his boat out on Lake Pepin and the Madison lakes, Monona and Mendota. He was married to Karen Klein on October 22, 1962. Together they has two daughters, Shelly Ann Bredeson and Tammy Lynn Bredeson. Their marriage ended in 1980. Ron then married Sandra Pivett Mathison in 1985. Sandra passed away in February of 1998. Ron still had so much love to give, when he married Patricia L. Ray in December of 2001. He will be missed by so many, especially his wife, Patricia of 8 years; daughters, Shelly of Chandler, Ariz. and Tammy of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; step children, Wendy (Jay) Jones of Sun Prairie, Peggy Mathison of Edgerton, Kris (Scott) Mullenberg of Oregon and Michael Mathison of Edgerton; brother, Duane (Marilyn) Bredeson of Vero Beach, Fla.. Further survived by Pat's children; Brian (Sherrie) Ray, Margene (partner, Judith Lee) Ray all of Madison and Patrice (David) Knauer of Ajijic, Mexico; and many beloved grandchildren, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 6, 2010. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00am until the time of the service on Saturday.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a fund to be established in Ron's name. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a fund to be established in Ron's name. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00am until the time of the service on Saturday. Service: Memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 6, 2010