Ronald G. `Ron` Schell, Sr.

Ronald G. Schell Sr. “Ron”, age 80, of Merrimac, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025 at UW Health - University Hospital in Madison surrounded by his loved ones.

Ronald was born, the 15th child of Alfred and Marie (Vance) Schell on March 16, 1945 in Baraboo. He proudly answered the call to his country by serving in the US Army from 1965 until he was Honorably discharged in 1967. Ron proudly served in Vietnam from 1966-1967.

On March 6th, 1970 he was united in marriage to his beautiful wife Candace Smith. They shared 55 years creating a beautiful family full of love and support. They had five wonderful children, Charity (Albie) Fuhrman of Reedsburg, Christine (James) Dunse of Reedsburg, Ronald Jr. (Tami) Schell of Baraboo, Ryan (Corinna) Schell of Merrimac, and Courtney (Ron) Schell of Baraboo.

He had a variety of occupations throughout his life. Such as working at Circus World Museum in the menagerie and being a fill in clown, the GM plant, Kleins Industries, where he met his wife, learning the trades, Hanger Heating, Advanced Energy, Motive Heating, Drywalling with the Merrimac Crew, Christmas Tree sales, Farming, Hi-tech Signs, and ran South Shore Concessions at Devils Lake.

Throughout the years, Ron enjoyed a nice cold Diet Pepsi in a small bottle, puzzles, eating dessert first, which he would lead you to believe he made himself, unless it was his favorite apple pie made by Savanah, ice cream, going to tractor shows, cheering on family at events, and loved sharing stories. 

He was a lifetime member of Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 987 of Baraboo and the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), Vietnam Veterans of America (V.V.A.), American Legion and the Salvation Army, Vice President of the Baraboo Veterans Honor Roll Committee, founding Sponsor of the National Museum of the US Army, long time Volunteer at the Highground Veterans Memorial Park. Ron loved his Farmall tractors and was an active member of the Wisconsin Chapter #4 IH Collectors Club. He enjoyed his time with the local Veterans Support Group. He encouraged those in need to reach out for help. If you are in need of support, please reach out to your local Veterans Service Office. 

Ronald is survived by his wife and five children, along with his beloved 15 grandchildren; Brook-Lynn (Adam) Klaetsch, Nicholas (Carly Penshorn) Bauer, Tyler (Deidre) Fuhrman, Kyle (Kelly) Fuhrman, Stephanie Dunse, Savanah (Trent) Diske, Dylan (Abby Pynenberg) Dunse, Grace and Ronald III Schell, Cailynn, Carleigh, Cadence, and Camryn Schell, Lilian and Lucas Schell; 8 great-grandchildren; Scarlett and Wyatt Klaetsch, Eve Fuhrman, Olivia Fuhrman, Carson Dunse and Peyton Marshall, Taymen and Baby Gretta Diske coming in August. He is further survived by brother, Michael (Mary) Schell; sisters-in-law, Maggie Schell, Shari Schell, Cindy (Scott) Harvey, Connie Powell, Clarice (Jerry) Flinn, Cheryl (Ron) Shanks, Renee (Tim) Gebhard, Colleen (Clayton) Sorensen, Jenny (Trent) Halverson, Jackie (Dan) Posthuma; brothers-in-law, Bill (Tammy) Smith, Jon Smith along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Shirley, Helen, Eddie, Donna, Bill, Tom, Dianna, Rob, Dean, Pat, Larry, Dick and Joe as well as his father and mother-in-law, Clarence “Bud” Sr and Margaret Smith.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will follow the service at Walnut Hill Cemetery with Military Honors provided by his fellow Greenwood Memorial VFW Post 987.

All monetary donations may be made to the family and will be given to the Wisconsin VFW Veterans Nursing Home Recreation Fund in his name, that Ron was in the process of creating for the Veterans.

The family would like to thank the Merrimac First Responders, Sauk Prairie Ambulance, UW Hospital Emergency Department, and Cardiac ICU Team, especially Charity and Tyler. A special thank you to “the Becky’s”, Becky Michael and Becky Jasper, words cannot express how much we appreciate everything you have done for us all.

“Funny ‘til the end.”