Mt. Pleasant – Ronald ‘Ron’ Joseph Lodes was taken from this earth by his Creator on Sunday, July 27, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ron was born on March 28, 1940 to Hugo A. and Mary F. (nee: Grenzer) in Chilton, Wisconsin. Ron graduated from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc in 1958. He joined the Air Force in 1962 and upon discharge in 1966 he attended UWGB earning his BA in Business. He married his wife Janice ‘Jan” M. Blohowiak on August 26, 1967 and they moved to Racine in 1970.
Ron spent his entire career in corporate advertising and product promotion. He was an active member of the Racine Advertising Club for many years. Later in life, he served on the advisory board of AA for 3 terms. The 12:15pm meeting at RACO was his home group. He was also a volunteer at the Wheaton Franciscan Center for Addiction Recovery from 2007 until the time of his death. He was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and more recently St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Over the years Ron enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, watching the Packers, as well as working on jig-saw and crossword puzzles. He was well known for his sense of humor.
Ron is survived by his wife: Jan; two children: Kim (Eric) Ellingham of Burlington, and Chris (Jessica) Lodes of Racine; four grandchildren: Andy and Emma Ellingham of Burlington, and Morgan and Mason Lodes of Racine; sister: Irene Kotarek of Manitowoc; and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ron was preceded by his parents; sister Ruth Ann; brother-in-law Eugene Kotarek; nephew Richard Kotarek.
A memorial service for Ron will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) with Rev. Terry Huebner officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30am and continue until 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ron’s name can be made to Racine Area Central Office (RACO); Froedtert Hospital Foundation (attn.: Cancer Center); or to Hospice Alliance of Racine.
Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Alliance, Inc., and Hospice House of Racine for the outstanding care they provided to our entire family.
carol mangin (kochan) says
Janice – I was sorry to hear about the death of your husband. It’s been a long time since we have been in touch, but memories are always there. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Bonnie says
Chris,
I am so sorry to hear of dad’s passing. You were strong during his illness and will continue to remain strong.
Please take care and know your dad is smiling down on you!
Bonnie