Obituary
Ronald Osley
Ronald Leo Osley, 88, beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa and great-grandpa passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026 at home surrounded by his family.
Ronnie was born July 13, 1937 in La Crosse to the late Leo M. Osley and Bernice A. (Hanson) Osley, and was raised in La Crosse, graduating from Logan High School.
He married Grace Stephans and they had two children, Mark and Jane. After he and Grace divorced, he married Rose Beranek in 1966. Ronnie and Rose had two daughters, Laurie and Debra, and one son, Brian.
Ronnie was a “Frito Man” for over 30 years, delivering to locations all over the tri-state area. He retired from Frito Lay in 1999, but found retirement a bit boring, so he went to work as a parts driver for Dahl Ford for over 14 years before finally retiring for good in 2016.
Besides his family, Ronnie had a passion for two things, golf and telling a good story! Ronnie and Rose spent many happy days taking golf trips with close friends Jim and Carol Vaaler, and as far as telling a good story, you couldn’t top Ronnie! His memory for details of people and places from the past was remarkable, as were the tales of his “exploits” with his brother, David. He was especially fond of telling stories about his childhood on the family farm in Ettrick, along with his family’s root beer stand in Cambridge, MN.
Ronnie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rose, son Mark (Debbie) of Plano, TX, daughter Laurie (Scott) Schroeder of Holmen, Debbie (John) Weaver of La Crosse, and son Brian (Shannon) of Holmen. Grandchildren include Melissa, Joseph, Matthew, Kristin, Clayton, Jr., Calli, Derek, Drew, Claire, Jacob, Callista, Maysa and Arianna and many great-grandchildren. He
is also survived by his brother David (Karen) of La Crosse.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Jane Morrison of Jefferson, WI.
A celebration of Ronnie’s life will be held at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska on Friday, June 5th, 2026, followed by a private burial service in Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date. The family will welcome friends beginning at 4pm, with a service at 5pm followed by dinner. Please bring a story to share about this wonderful man!
Condolences may be made by visiting CoouleeCremation.com.
Ronnie had a huge impact on my life. I was devastated and heartbroken to hear of his passing. Ronnie was bigger than life and one of those people you felt should always be in your life. So funny and loving and the best storyteller. I could listen to him talk forever!
Ronnie and Rosie set the best example to others as a loving and devoted couple. They raised their kids to become wonderful people – so kind and gracious.
I don’t want to say goodbye so instead find comfort in knowing that one day we all will be together in heaven with our loved ones.
Ronnie, you were so loved. I will keep Rosie and your entire family in my prayers. – Julie Ranum Troupe
thank you so much Jewels. dad just loved you . was always excited to see when you were in town . he’s with our loved ones now .
Thank you Julie. Dad did have the best stories didn’t he, always making everyone laugh. We love you.
R.I.P. Cookie
Rose and family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ron always had a smile and a great story to tell. He will be so missed.
Leslie and Gene Shumann
Rosie, Mark, Lori, Debbie, and Brian,
I am so very sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing. I have so many great memories of him hunting with my dad John, and all the shenanigans they got into….
All the times he came to visit my Grandma Ethel and Judy. I loved it when he would bring over extra chips from the truck after dropping off at stores in the area.
He was a good man and was proud of all of you as he often told me of your lives when I seen him at the clinic, and what you had all been up to.
My husband Lee often seen Ronnie in Ettrick at the Gold course, and they would share a story or two.
You have my deepest sympathy and love. He and dad are probably rabbit hunting right now.
Lorie (Holley) Anderson
thank you . he was all about family always and visiting every one of them on a regular basis . giving and kind and full of stories . we will miss him terribly .
I too loved hearing his stories and am so jealous of his wonderful ability to “remember” so much.
Whenever I phoned Ron I always addressed him as Mayor Osley and he always replied ‘Hi Governor’. We saw the humor in it and always had a laugh about those titles. Ron would have made a good mayor as he had the natural gift to gab. I know Margie’s Restaurant was one of his favorite haunts. And he would mention his dog and how it was behaving. RIP Mr. Frito-Lay
Rose and family so sorry for your loss!
Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Lynette (Schaller) Neumann
Rose.. our deepest sympathy to you & your family.
Dear Rosie and family,
We are sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. We had so very many wonderful times and many great laughs with him and you at the tavern
You ate all in our thoughts and prayers and Ron RIP dear man🙏🙏🥰❤️
Rosie and family, we are so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to you and your family!