Ronald Eugene Hoerner

Ronald Eugene Hoerner, 71, of Franklin, WI, formerly of Champaign, IL, died unexpectedly on May 28, 2015, at 12:13 AM at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee.
Ron was born on January 17, 1944 in Evansville, IN, the son of Ralph Charles Hoerner and Boyce Kathleen (Scott) Hoerner. He graduated from Champaign High School in 1962 and attended the University of Illinois. He married Jane Andrea (Hodges) Hoerner in 1964 and had two sons, Eric and Todd. Ron began his career in the family business, Steven’s Floor Coverings. He later started and owned residential contracting businesses in the Champaign and Milwaukee areas. Retirement was not for Ron, as he remained employed up to his death working at Target Corp. for the last several years.
Ron is survived by two sons, Eric (Kristina) Hoerner and Todd (Melissa) Hoerner, and four grandchildren, Paige, Colleen, Wilson, and Isabella Hoerner, all of Champaign. He is also survived by one sister, Phyllis (Phil) Collins of Deltona, FL; a stepson Thomas (Stephanie) Rodgers of Deerfield, Illinois, and his three daughters Zoey, Stella, and Emma; and his devoted partner Bonnie Koziczkowski, who was with him at his passing.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Jane, and his second wife Mary Lynn Rodgers.
Ron’s interests included music, boating, fishing, electronics, cars, his cats, and he was a true handyman. In his younger years, he was an accomplished trumpet player who performed professionally with the Johnny Rinaldo Orchestra. After moving to Wisconsin in the 1990’s, Ron was able to more frequently enjoy two of his favorite hobbies, fishing and boating. He continued to follow Illini sports, and he was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Ron was ever the conversationalist as he enjoyed meeting and talking with people, and he always wore a smile.
Ron loved his grandchildren more than anything, and “Pa-Pa” traveled to be with them for their birthdays, holidays, and other milestones. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 14th from 2 to 4 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 9200 S. 27th St., Oak Creek, WI. An memorial service will be held in Champaign, IL at St. Matthew Church at a later date (TBD).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice