Ronald John Sowinski

On Thursday April 28, 2022, Ronald “Ron” Sowinski of Stone Bank, WI passed away peacefully with loving family and his wife, Maria, at his side. Ron was born on November 15, 1937, in Milwaukee to Stanley and Adeline Sowinski, who proceeded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Maria; their four children and their families, Paul and grandson, Joey; Jim (Anne) and grandchildren, Andrew and Elizabeth; Scott (Wendy) and grandchildren, Zach (Maria Laura), Danielle, Josh, Aaron (Cramer) and Ryan (Cramer); Jean (Dave) Kinney and grandchildren, Aaron, Andrew and Aidan. Ron entered the Navy after graduating from South Division High School, June 1956. His basic training was at Great Lakes, IL. He attended fleet sonar school in San Diego, CA., receiving certification to maintain and operate radar and sonar equipment on a navy ship. His assignment was to the USS Blue 744 destroyer out of Long Beach, CA. He worked radar and sonar tracking ships and planes during the cold war era. As a Radarman Second Class he earned an honorable discharge in August 1960, and a good conduct medal. Upon returning to civilian life Ron applied to Braniff Airways International for a grounds crew position which required typing skills, yes, I said typing not computer. It was while taking a summer typing course June 1961 it was then MATC in Milwaukee he met his future bride and life partner on the second day of class. As it goes Ron arrived late to class and without materials which afforded him the perfect opportunity to the ask the cute girl behind him to borrow a pencil and paper. There was an immediate connection. Just after Maria graduated from Greendale High School in June 1962, Ron asked her father for her hand in marriage. He proposed and she accepted with a loving heart. They were married the next year on June 15, 1963. 58 years of marriage and they inspired family and friends with their dedication and love. Ron worked at Braniff at O’Hare International Airport where their first son, Paul, was born. When they were expecting their second son, Jim, they returned to Milwaukee to be closer to family and friends. After several job changes that next first year, Ron joined Roth Distributing Corporation based in Milwaukee. Two more children followed, Scott and then Jean. Moving from the southside of Milwaukee to N. 51st Blvd. Ron became involved with the St. Catherine Parish festival serving as festival chairman for several years establishing a successful fundraising with outstanding volunteers. Then they moved their family to Stone Bank in Oconomowoc in 1987. Ron transitioned from his service manager position at Roth Distributing and Lawn Garden Equipment to be the service manager at the Trek Bicycle Company, Waterloo, WI . As he liked to joke that was a nice way to say he was head of the “complaint department”. He retired from Trek in 2001. Ron and Maria enjoyed working numerous TREK 100 Bike Rides for Childhood Cancer recruiting as many friends as they could to help with rest stops for the rides. Ron continued to enjoy volunteering for fund raisers for Stone Bank School, where Maria was employed. Some examples are: Richie Clark Tournaments, numerous Stone Bank baseball tournaments and benefits to help community members in need. He also supervised athletic events at the school gym such as basketball and volleyball games and AMSAC tournaments. After his retirement Ron was asked to serve on the Lutheran Homes of WI Shorehaven Board. He was president for 2 terms and then in other roles as needed. His attention to detail and quirky humor endeared him to others. He enjoyed the great outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and golf, but not yard work. He loved to fish with his children/grandchildren and his wife, but hated untangling lines and baiting all the kids hooks. Ron encouraged Maria to try golf. They considered themselves hackers but enjoyed the times they spent on the golf courses together. They really enjoyed working numerous PGA, USGA, Women’s Future tournaments and the Open at Erin Hills. In recent years, he took pride in bagging his first and only deer while hunting with Scott. Years were spent camping with family and friends. Of course, there is always a right or wrong way to put up or take down the tent, which resulted in discussions between husband and wife. These discussions never lasted, and they became experts in cooking over an open fire using a cast iron dutch oven. Beef stew with dumplings was always on the menu. In 2021, he was asked to participate in the Bell Tower Memorial Veterans Oral History Project, which pairs local high school students with local veterans to listen and record their military stories. These recordings are then submitted to the Library of Congress as part of the National Veterans History Project. He was eager to share his experiences. To learn more about the project and to hear Ron’s story, please visit the website at https://www.belltowermemorial.org After many health issues over a long period of time, the Lord said, “That’s enough Ron, time to come home”. His physical presence will be missed by many, but his spirit will be with us, always. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 10th, at Holy Name of Jesus, ECC, N577 Main Street, Ashippun, WI. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. with Mass to follow at 6 p.m. with Fr. Dave Verhasselt, presiding. A social gathering will follow at a local venue in Oconomowoc. For those unable to attend the service, the link to the livestream service begins at 6:00 p.m. on YouTube for Cross-Zion Parish at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp2gBVFj5y-6SmCx31GuuAA (direct link also found below under events). Private Interment is planned for a later date at the VA Cemetery in Union Grove, WI with military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to: - Holy Name of Jesus, ECC - Bell Tower Memorial to help support the history of our veterans. https://www.belltowermemorial.org - Shorehaven Service League Tree of Love to support special projects that benefit the residents. - Tin Can Sailors/DesVets which will help keep ships and their accomplishments from being forgotten. https://www.destroyers.org OR a special charity of your choice. God Bless Family and Friends, Ron Sowinski Family