Ronald A. Rongholt

On Thursday, June 30, 2016 we lost our father, son, brother, husband, friend. Ron Rongholt was just shy of his 55th birthday – which he would have celebrated with his twin brother, Don Rongholt on August 7th. We are grateful that Ron was sleeping as he moved from this life to the next…. a peaceful transition.

Ron and Don were the second eldest and first sons of Raymond and Yoshiko (Ono) Rongholt. Born in France, where Raymond was stationed as he served in the army, the boys were born premature and were very fragile. Yoshiko prayed and the boys rallied, obviously beating the odds and living full and happy lives. Ron did this often — he rallied to beat back the hard stuff life deals. Ron also grew up with his older sister, Carol, younger brothers Dan and Matt, as well as his youngest sister Donna.

Ron was extremely intelligent and it is sure that nearly everyone who knew him found themselves suddenly out of gas in front of his house, mistakenly leaving the car idling after giving him a lift home. Ron could talk for hours about anything… from physics to philosophy, how to cook a good steak to astronomy… and he would do this in the most engaging and thought provoking way. As a child, Ron was often called ‘the encyclopedia.’

Ron attended Riverside Highschool in Milwaukee, WI and worked for several years at Blunt Ellis & Loewe, a brokerage firm in downtown Milwaukee. It was there that Ron met many life long friends, including his wife of 24 years, Kristen (nee Sheunemann) – who’s father also worked for the firm. Kristen will miss Ron’s laughter and the long intellectual conversations they enjoyed.

Together, Ron and Kristen are parents to two beautiful children, his princess Megan (21), who will miss his strength and advice and his son Logan (18)… “My boy” Ron would say…., who will miss the endless debates with his father. Being a father brought Ron the most joy he had ever known. His pride in his children and deep, enduring love for them shown on his face always.

Ron also spent much of his working life in sales, but is better known for his long time love for comic books, as well as his magic tricks and palm reading when he was a bartender. When he could, Ron would do or give anything for family. When he couldn’t, Ron would at least offer a hug, which he was very good at. In fact, it was Ron who initiated frequent and firm hugs and expressions of love in the family. Ron always… always said “You just never know when we’ll see each other again…” Every conversation, even the difficult ones, where ended with “I love you”.

Because Ron always managed to do so successfully, we all truly believed he would rally one more time. Though now we can picture him rooting for all of us to rally, come together to grieve and then move forward with love and dignity, with fun and laughter, with Ron held close in our hearts and walking beside us when we need him.

In Ron’s honor and memory, we encourage everyone to hug often and end every conversation with those important to you with “I love you”.