Ronald Donath, age 73, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, passed away at his home in Gilman Township on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
Ron was born March 7, 1951, to Fredrick and Adeline (Bauer) Donath in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in the Clear Lake area and attended Clear Lake Schools, graduating with the Class of 1969.
On July 31, 1970, Ron married Coleen Schramski in Centuria, WI. They started their family in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, before making the Spring Valley area their home in 1975.
Ron was a builder, working with his hands all his life as an auto body repair person and then as a welder at the Shipyard in St Paul and Donaldson Company in Baldwin. He took great pride in the things he built and enjoyed caring for his horses, but his greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren who he would patiently listen to and could always make laugh.
He taught his children and their children so many things by example – loving through actions, bluntness, playfulness, humor and wit, can-do stubbornness, quiet strength, and humility. He loved and cared for Coleen with everything he had. His smile, laughter, and comforting presence is deeply missed by all.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Mike and Fred.
Survivors include his wife Coleen; children: Michele (Eric) Huppert; Bridget Johnson; Brenda (Brandon) Johnson; and Jeremy (Emily) Donath; grandchildren: Christien (Nicole) Huppert; Sedrick (Patrick) Huppert; Brittany (Raj) Bohini; Katelyn Christiansen; Jonah and Jaden Johnson; Adia Johnson; Dominic, Dakota, Dalton, and Cloe Donath; and great grandchildren: Aria, Tristan, Phoenix, Kiana, Raina; sister Debra (Kent) Donath; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends.
We take great comfort in the fact that although Ron was a man of few emotional words, whenever a family member would tell him we loved him, he would reply, “I know that.” Dad and Grandpa Ron may your spirit be unburdened and ride free on heavenly horses until your family rejoins you.
A Celebration of Life was on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, Wisconsin.
Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.
