Service Details
The family will greet friends and relatives this Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at Fountain Banquet Hall (8505 Durand Avenue Sturtevant, WI 53177). A brief service will take place at 2:30 pm followed by a reception – all at Fountain Hall. In lieu of flowers, please leave a comment or share a short story about Ron on his obituary – located on the funeral home website.
Memorial Suggestions
Donations to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.
After a nearly 2 year fight with lung cancer, Ronald S. Deverney, age 67, passed away at Froedtert South – Pleasant Prairie Hospital on Saturday, January 28, 2023 with his family by his side. The nurses tending to Ron and allowing the family to come early, stay late, make themselves at home with puzzles, music, food, and cards, said that they had never seen so much love surrounding a patient.
Although way too short, Ron lived his life to the fullest.
Ron was born in Racine on August 21, 1955 to the late Richard “Beaver” and Betty (nee: Ruggeri) Deverney. He grew up in Racine, WI and was a 1973 graduate of Washington Park High School. Following high school, Ron earned a mechanic’s certification from Gateway Technical College. As a child, Ron’s family often visited relatives in Eagle River, while his dad worked in the woods. Upon retirement, his parents moved to Eagle River permanently. Ron’s father, Beaver, was a tribe member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and Ron was very proud of his Indian heritage and passing that heritage along to his daughters.
On August 18, 1979, Ron was united in marriage to his best friend and partner in crime, Kathy (nee: Hilgers). Their journey began in 1977 when Frank Gentile moved to Hwy 20. Ron went to the nearest bank, Pioneer Savings, to cash his check, but needed an account, which Kathy opened. Kathy would purposely wait on Ron each time he would come in to cash his check, and the rest is history. Ron began his working career with Park Auto Service. He then moved to Frank Gentile car dealership and then to Wisconsin Natural Gas. Ron retired as a mechanic at Racine Unified School District after nearly 20 years of service in 2020.
Ron was the epitome of someone who loved life, lived it to the fullest, and was always up for an adventure with Kathy, his family, and friends. A jack of all trades, he was never afraid to learn something new – it’s all character building he would say. He was always the go to when something needed fixing. Ron loved to golf, (although he would call it hacking), snowmobile, ATV, boat, and go up north to “hunt” every year with friends (but would really sit in his stand; watch the deer and take an occasional nap or two). Ron thoroughly enjoyed woodworking and had an extensive wood working room in the basement at home. Ron was so good, that he, along with friend Ed Kuiper, built the family’s cabin in Phelps, WI. Ron had many hobbies and passions; But his favorite was spending time with his family and friends and sitting around a campfire playing his guitar.
Surviving are his wife of over 43 years, Kathy; daughters, Tiffany (Frank Patino Jr.) Gonzales and Amber (Kevin) Jander; Ryan (Jenna) Tessmann; grandchildren, Blayq, Kyleigh, Rylan, Lilly, Brynn, Eden, Jameson, Morgan and Mia; brothers, Dick (Carol) Deverney and Bob (Sharon “Puts”) Deverney; mother-in-law, Mae Hilgers; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Hilgers; brothers-in-law, Tom (Kim) Hilgers, Dennis Hilgers and Bob Hilgers; canine companions, Tito & Prince; and all of the wonderful nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Beaver & Betty Deverney; and father-in-law, Herman Hilgers.
The family would like to send many thanks to the amazing, caring, understanding, and thoughtful nurses at Froedtert in Pleasant Prairie.
“Your soul has been freed to find that Deverney spot in the sky. We’ll miss you forever, but we’ll be ok. We love you more.”
The family will greet friends and relatives this Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm at Fountain Banquet Hall (8505 Durand Avenue Sturtevant, WI 53177). A brief service will take place at 2:30 pm followed by a reception – all at Fountain Hall. In lieu of flowers, please leave a comment or share a short story about Ron on his obituary – located on the funeral home website. Donations to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.
Anonymous says
Kathy, Amber, Tiffany and families,
We are so sorry for your loss
Ron was a fun loving guy whom we’re sure will be missed
Hope great memories will help bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time
Our sympathy,
Terry & Rich Kropp
Gino Modesti says
Ron was a wonderful man and always a pleasure to talk to. When ever I had a problem with any equipment at work (RUSD) he was here to help me. We always joke around and had lots of laughs. RIP until we meet again in heaven!
Carla Vitto says
I will always remember when I was just a kid and we went camping and when you and Ron showed up at the farm in your van and shot gley pigeons and when I seen you and him at Easter and he always gave me a big hug he will always be in my heart and I will always love him
Tom Miller says
I golfed in the Racine golf league. When my partner Dave Nielsen and I golfed against Ron and Gerry we always had a great match weather we won or lost! We complemented each other on many of each others shots. It’s not weather you win or lose, it’s how.you enjoy the match! Let God be the judge. I’m sure he told Ron,” job well done”.
Sandy Sorensen, 3400 Kentucky St. Racine, 53405 says
I golfed with Ron in the Racine golf league. I enjoyed knowing him. We use to sit on the floor, with crossed legs, & do the Indian greeting, How!! I have a Grandson who is of the same Indian tribe. He was such a joy to know & golf with. I send my Prayers & hugs.
Jeannie Mazurkiewicz says
Kathy, Tiffany, Amber and families,
My heart hurts for all of you. Ron will be missed forever. But you’re blessed to have the love and support of a whole lot of people to carry and see you all through the pain.
I was thinking back over the 35+ years that you have been woven in and out of my life. Fun, loving and integrity came rushing to my mind. Your immediate family has always been those things to me. As a family, you have consistently chosen to show love to one another and others while sprinkling loads of fun even into the most difficult tasks or situations and always taking the higher road along the journey. What a legacy and example to us all! Ron is looking down and smiling at his amazing family. Love you all!
Gerry Kozlik says
I wish I could put down in words what Ron meant to me all he did for me and my family but I can’t find the words to even come close. they say I had four brothers well , they’re wrong I had five. Love you bro!!
Chris Vitto says
Seems like yesterday that we were outside at the farm and you were teaching me how to shoot a shot- gun . Even tho I was barely big enough to hold it. Then the few summers we had in Eagle River, playing guitar and having drinks at the fire. Fly high Ron , until we meet again.
The Dumovich Family- Eagle River, WI says
We always looked forward to catching up with Ron and family as they visited their cabin in Phelps. Whether it was a late night impromptu dip in the lake, meeting for dinner out on the chain, or nursing a hangover at Leif’s Café, he would never disappoint. Thanks for the memories Ron!
You will be missed.
Jim O'Neill says
Prayers sent for you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Mae Hilgers says
You were the best Son-in-law I could have ever wished for. So many memories. Years of parties and holidays together. During Covid, You and Kathy were the best at remembering me when you went to lunch and we had one together. All those Packer games we cheered thru together.. Our big joke was ” have to have at least 1 party a year so the garage gets cleaned out'” You are in my heart and memories always.
Jan Mattie says
Kathy and the Deverney Family: My sympathies to you at this difficult time. Ron had a full like with those he loved. Losing your spouse and best friend, father, grandfather and friend to so many people, is not easy. I will alway remember him coming into the bank (Pioneer) when I worked there; and I am glad that when he worked at RUSD, Ric had the chance to know him as well. May you find peace in the memories you made and be thankful for the time you got to spend with him.
Ron Henry says
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing,the absolute best mechanic anywhere,but more, a great person and friend. I worked at F.Gentile many yrs. w/ Ron he was the best, at times a character though? Pretty good pool shooter in the day! So long friend!
Dawn and Bob Merritt says
As painful as it is to say goodby when someone leaves this earth too early, the Deverney family will always be able to reflect on the family adventures and the memories they made with Ron always by their side. So much fun and the love and laughter will be Ron’s legacy as you celebrate a life well lived. In this sorrow we pray that you will find some peace and comfort in the days ahead. We are so sorry for your loss but know that your friends and family are always there to support you and help you find strength you may not even know you have. Our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you.
Theresa ( Terrie ) Mitchell Peterson says
To the Deverney family So very sorry to hear of the lost of Ron Being best friend’s and working side by side with Ron mother Betty and also sqare dancing with Betty and Beaver for a geat number of years and going up to Eagle River to visit with her after she retired . She was always talking on what when on with her three sons Richard ( Dick ) , Robert ( Bob ) and her youngest Ronald Scott ( Ron ) Betty was one proud Mama and grandmother . I remembered she told me how Ron loved Northern Italian food his favorite was a rice dish called Risoto and Bunia culda a Italian garlic cabbage dish and Ron could play the guitar and him and his two brothers at one time had a band and they Practiced in the basement in their house on 16th street in Racine. And their father Beaver carted them to the local Bars to play their gigs. And how they went across the street in the vacaned lot and went camping. I also heard how Ron was an A 1 mechanic and could do anything on fixing a car He was the auto whisper of the time. As I am writing this I feel much sympathy and sending big hugs and prayers to Ron , kathy There two daughter and their grandchildren and the whole Deverney family
Louanne Kozlik says
When I think of Ron…I always think of him singing and playing his guitar. “I think we’re alone now” “High Enough” “Let’s do something cheap and insensitive” “I want to learn a Love Song”. When I hear these songs, I will always smile and think of Ron. I’m really going to miss you, but at least I have all my wonderful memories of you.
Bill and Twila Rodenberg says
Our deepest condolences to Kathy and the Deverney family. I will always remeber Ron as a hard working dedicated guy. Always there to help out if someone needed a hand and that sense of humor! Always there with those one liners while keeping a straight face. It was truly a honor to have known him!
Mary Jo Gould (Muckian) says
Blast from the past…..My best memory was seeing the magic he worked making table tops out of logs of wood. Always enjoyed listening to Ron play his guitar.
My thoughts and prayers to all of the Deverny family.
Mary Jo Gould (Muckian)
The Sadlon Family says
So sorry to hear Rons passing i will always remember the camping trips we went on together with ur family the Tessmans and Lubas our deepest sympathy to Kathy and your family i worked together with Ron at Unified was a great person and will be missed Our deepest sympathies
Jerry and Mary Jane Andersen says
We are so sorry for your loss, and pray to god that he will provide you and your family with comfort and support through this difficult time.
Michael Garski says
I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was a friend of mine in high school. We would shoot pool at his parents house quite often.
God Bless
Larry and Kathie Hobbs says
I worked with Ron for many years, and enjoyed his sense of humor and conversation. His smile and willingness to help was always present.
You are in our prayers for comfort and Ron’s eternal rest.
Larry and Kathie Hobbs
Pat Widmaier says
Sending prayers and sympathies.
Stacy Treffert Kopecky says
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember baby sitting your girls and seeing the magic the two of you shared as a young couple staring out. As a teenager Ron left such an impression on me. I remember him as aways having a smile to share. He never missed an opportunity to remind me of the great parents I myself had, always saying “those are some good people right there”. He valued family and friends more that most and I was lucky to have been influenced by him in those days. May you find comfort in your memories. Losing someone we love is like losing a part of ourselves. We miss who we were with them, nothing can replace that. But hopefully when recalling moments of laughter you shared, you will feel that part of you in some small way again. Sending love and prayers to your family.
Mary Vitto says
Ron was one of my favorite nephews. I enjoyed sitting around the campfire while he played his guitar. Also his bear hugs he gave me when I went visiting by Kathy and Ron.
Richard and Cheryl Witek says
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. The years have passed and our paths have taken different directions but the memories we have shared will never fade. Growing up with you, meeting Ron, our weddings, and camping adventures bring back so many happy times. Ron was an amazing guy. I pray for peace and comfort to surround your family as you go through this difficult time.
Greg Castillo says
So sorry about your loss have fond memories of our high school days great guy
Ronald Burmeister says
you will be missed , was glad to know you
Lori Hanson says
My first memory of Ron was camping. We didn’t have any camping supplies so we borrowed a tent and Ron and Kathy let us use everything they had. It rained all weekend, but we had a great time. I remember Ron saying that if you made it through that weekend and still want to come back then I know you are going to love camping. We still love camping and have so many awesome memories of singing around the campfire with Ron playing his guitar. Most of us will admit we didn’t remember all the words…but no one cared! Ron could always tell a great story or joke with enthusiasm. His button hole contraption will go down in history!!! Ron had such a great passion for life, he was adventurous, kind, and always willing to help someone out. I will miss his smile, laugh, and mostly his friendship. Our group will never be the same without you, but we will carry on keeping you in our hearts. You have raised some amazing young ladies, as parents all we can hope for is that our kids turn out ok. Lucky us, not only did they turn out ok (well better than ok), they actually like hanging out with each other. Who would of thought that back in the day we were creating generations of love and friendship. We know you will watch over Kathy, Tiff, Amber and the rest of your family and friends. Save us a spot around the campfire in the sky until we meet again. Cheers Ron!
Tom Pollock says
My condolences on the loss of a great guy. I worked with Ron in the early years at Gentile and always thought highly of him. Ron and his contagious laugh will be greatly missed.
Barbara Vallner says
Kathy & family,
My sincere condolences on your loss of Ron.
Hang on tight to all your wonderful memories.
Together as a family you’ll get through the pain.
Eugene beal says
Hi Kathy, so sorry to hear about Ron. We go back many years back living next door to you guys. Would have stop in just found out about him. You ant the girls and grands are in our prayers. Eugene and Ella
3906 judith ln says
Hi Kathy, so sorry to hear about Ron. We go back many years back living next door to you guys. Would have stop in just found out about him. You ant the girls and grands are in our prayers. Eugene and Ella
Eugene Beal/Ella Beal says
Hi Kathy, so sorry to hear about Ron. We go back many years back living next door to you guys. Would have stop in just found out about him. You ant the girls and grands are in our prayers. Eugene and Ella
Becky Jefferson and Brian Saucke says
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We always enjoyed seeing Kathy and Ron when they came up to Phelps! His smile and sense of humor will be missed.
Jay & Cyndi Warnock says
We just found out today Ron had passed. We are so very sorry for your loss. To say Ron lived life to the fullest is an understatement. We remember when the Deverney’s moved into the neighborhood they partied to the fullest. They had a treasure hunt and scared our babysitter when they rang the door bell. They built fires often and enjoyed the evening under the stars. Now Ron is one of those stars shining over his family and friends. RIP Ron.