Racine – Ronald Allan Porter, 76, passed away at Becker-Shoop Center on Wednesday, June 1, 2011.
He was born in Racine on April 25, 1935, son of the late Norman Preston Porter and Irma Meta (nee: Harthun) Porter. Ron graduated from Lutheran High School in 1953. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Ron was united in marriage to the late Alice J. Nielsen in 1959 and together they had four children, all surviving: Lance (Sue) Porter of Sturtevant, WI, Kristal (Doug) Hubbard of Racine, Kari (Sanders) Hillis of Indianapolis, IN, Amy (Jeff) Lyrenmann of Freeport, IL. On December 15, 1984, Ron married Jean Breitsprecher of Racine and gained three step-daughters: Jerilyn Fox, Jan Vinslauski, Terri (David) Buckett, all of Racine. He was employed by Western Publishing as a Lithographer and retired in 1995 after 42 years. Ron and Jean attended Grace Church in Racine. He enjoyed fishing, boating, bowling and playing cribbage, but above all, Ron treasured spending time with his entire family. Ron lived out the legacy of vacationing with his family in Pickerel Lake, WI for over 60 consecutive years. He and Jean also enjoyed spending time at Lynx Lake in Presque Isle, WI.
Ron is survived by his wife of over 26 years, Jean; four children, three step-children, 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, June (Ted) Ricchio of Racine, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives too numerous to mention.
In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice (nee: Nielsen) Porter; son-in-law, David Fox; and special friends, Monnie Alstad and Jack Eifert.
A memorial service with full military honors will take place at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 11:00am, with Reverend Dan Petersen officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. A private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at a later date. The family has suggested memorials to Grace Church or Faith Community Church.
Ron’s children would like to extend a loving thank you to their step-mother, Jean, for the unconditional love and excellent care she gave to their dad. We love you!
The family would like to offer a special thank you to All Saints Hospice nurses, Lori and Ann; Brightstar Care-giver, Cathy; and Becker-Shoop nurse, Trista, for the loving care they gave to Ron during his illness.
Diane Klemick says
Dear Jean and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will treasure the many stories that Ron and my Dad (Monnie) have told me over years. Dad and Ron had such good times, and many laughs together. I see both of them sitting on dad’s deck laughing so hard they could hardly speak. The two of them kept me laughing for hours as they told stories of their childhood. Ron will be sadly missed but the memories will always be cherished.
Diane and Butch.
Doreen Rogalla says
Dear Jean and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He will be truly missed. Ron was my Godfather and every time he came Up North to visit dad, I would go over to say hi and he would say "come and tell me what the Godfather can do for you." The stories he and dad told could keep you laughing for hours on end. I am sure Ron and dad are celebrating life in Heavan as we are on earth. Our thoughts and prayers are wtih you all. Love Doreen & Kevin Rogalla
Rita Ruggles says
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jacqueline Krone says
Please accept my sympathy on your loss. Ronnie was my cousin and we grew up together. Jackie (Ensign)Krone
George Ensign says
Ronnie was my cousin and we were very best of friends and he will be dearly missed. Since we lived close to he and June, we had many good times together during our school years and later. Jean, our thoughts are with you and the rest of the family……..He left to soon!
Gary O. Ensign says
Lance (tear in the pants), Kristal, Kari, and Amy had one of the greatest dads in the world. I only remember Ron when I was a small child in Racine Wisconsin. He was always lots of fun with us Ensign kids and made me laugh to no end. People like Alice and Ron should never be allowed to leave this world without giving all the others who loved them a big hug. I can never forget Ron and the beautiful family he has.