Obituary
Ronald E. Ziebell
Ronald E. Ziebell of Holmen WI died March 12, 2021 from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Ron was 79 years old.
A La Crosse native, Ron graduated from Logan High School in 1959, and UWL in 1964 with a double major in economics and mathematics. In 1962 he married Bonnie, his wife of over 50 years. Ron and Bonnie met while both were attending UWL.
Ron’s entire professional carrier was in the employee benefits field, specifically retirement plans. During the ‘70s and ‘80s Ron was an employee at the G. Heileman Brewing Co in La Crosse where he oversaw their retirement plans, and those of their subsidiaries. In ‘89 he and his wife Bonnie moved to the Dallas Texas area before moving to Chanhassen MN in 1991. In 2000 Ron and Bonnie returned to the La Crosse area which they both loved and lived just outside of Holmen WI. While still in Minnesota, Ron started and ran his own business, Pension Tailors, Inc. until his own retirement.
Besides his professional career, Ron was always active in church. Ron and Bonnie were members of United Methodist Church of Trempealeau WI. In the recent past they were also members of the United Methodist Church in Onalaska WI, and before that the Presbyterian Church of West Salem. Ron often served on church committees, volunteered for fund raising events, and engaged in Bible studies, both thru church and on his own. Ron was also a Lay Speaker.
Besides his professional and religious life. Ron enjoyed working on cars. His crowing achievement was likely a 1965 Corvette he restored in the ‘90s. His last project was a hotrod Ford Model A truck he wasn’t able to finish because of ALS. Sometimes he’d tell stories about how as a young man he had one of the fastest cars in town, a 1950’s vintage Dodge with an early style Chrysler Hemi engine. In addition to cars, Ron was an accomplished woodworker. He made furniture, music boxes, nutcrackers and toys. Ron even made his own paints and wood stains using natural materials he would gather himself for the pigments.
Ron also enjoyed the outdoors. When he was younger he was an avid duck and deer hunter. He also loved golf, and cross country skiing using antique wooden skis. Both activities he enjoyed until just a few years ago. Every spring Ron would plant a vegetable garden, but he hated weeding. Over the years more than a few beans and onions never got picked because the weeds were too thick to find them! Ron also enjoyed playing cards and board games with his family, Ron played to win! A trait shared by all in the Ziebell family.
Ron was preceded in death by his father Edward and his mother Edna. He is survived by his two younger sisters; Gail and Jean. He is also survived by his wife Bonnie, and their two sons; Scott and his wife Nancy, and Douglas and his wife Kaiti. Ron is also survived by Scott and Nancy’s daughter Melissa.
Because of the ongoing Covid situation, no memorial service is expected until early summer. A date and time when known, will be posted.
Any memorials can be made to the Wisconsin chapter of the ALS Association whose support was most helpful to Ron and his family, or the Salvation Army (one of Ron’s favorite charities), or the United Methodist Church of Trempealeau WI.
I am so sorry for your loss.Thoughts and prayers for your family.
A wonderful tribute to Ron. He will be greatly missed. He was generous with his time and friendship, always. May he rest in God’s arms and may your family have peace thru Jesus Christ. Sending hugs.
Dear Bonnie and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, Ron will be missed, prayers are with you
I was saddened to read of Ron’s passing and struggle with ALS. Through our church association, I didn’t have the pleasure of learning the details of his life’s accomplishments and interests. However, I assumed there were many and wonderful aspects to be admired, as it was obvious that his intellect and deep thinking was often on display. Not to mention his deep and abiding faith in God.
My condolences go to you, Bonnie, and to your family.
I was saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a high school classmate, a friend and an all around good guy. Our paths were different after college, but we both wound up back in the coulee region. When we would cross paths from time to time it was always a pleasure to catch up with him.
R.I.P. Ron!
Bonnie, so sorry to hear about Ron. He always did such a great job of reading pertinent and inspiring bible verses at our monthly men’s group meetings at OUMC.
My deepest condolences.
Bonnie, Scott and family,
Elizabeth and I send you our condolences.
Ron was a wonderful combination of bravery and friendliness whenever I would see him. We are thinking of you.
Such a great man! So honored to have done his hair for so many years! Always a good story teller! His love for Bobbie was very relevant ?
I am sorry to hear of Rons passing.As a class mate we had different social preferences but we always got along.I do remember that he was very bright and dedicated to Logan High School.He will be missed by many.My condolences go out to you all.
To the Family of Ron Ziebell:
I was sorry to hear the sad news of the death of my cousin Ron. My wife and I extend our sympathies to you and the family. I know that he suffered a long time with his ALS and by the grace of God he has now been released from it and is now enjoying the blessings of heaven. I was glad that I had the opportunity recently to chat with Ron through the Skype connection. It seemed like old times when we were growing up. How time flies.
May the sure victory of Christ’s cross and empty tomb comfort all of you. May this Easter be all the sweeter for them and all of us as we await the resurrection reunion Jesus has in store for us.
In Lenten and resurrection joy,
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Ray and Bernice Ziebell
Bonnie,
So sorry to hear about Ron… I have many fond memories of Church associations with Ron… cooking breakfasts, men’s group meetings, his dry humor, etc. and the wonderful sharing that Ron provided! He will be missed… sincere condolences.
Prayers for you all
Sending our sincere sympathy to you, Bonnie, and your family. May Ron rest in peace and may you find consolation in wonderful memories of happier times.
Sincerely,
Dianne and Wes Panzer