Ronald G. Pember
1940-2020
Ronald G. Pember, 79, of Madison County, Mo., passed away on Monday, June 22, 2020 in Elk Mound, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Mayo Hospice. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27 from 4-8 p.m. at Cedarbrook Church Outdoor Amphitheater, N 6714 470th Street, Menomonie. In Ron’s honor, blueberry pancakes will be served. A private graveside service will take place at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Jump River.
Ron was born on Aug. 13, 1940 in Jump River, to Dan and Clara (Lechleitner) Pember. After graduating from Gilman High School, he completed his postsecondary education at UW-Madison and received a bachelors degree in civil engineering. Ron was a civil engineer, architect and registered land surveyor. He was the only person in both the state of Wisconsin and the state of Missouri to hold all three licenses. Ron began his career in civil engineering in Marinette and worked for the City. He then worked at Owen Ayres and Associates as a manager. After leaving Owen Ayres he started Pember Construction and Realty. In 1975, he became one of the founding fathers of Cedar Corporation.
Two of Ron’s proudest accomplishments were facilitating the establishment of a 3M plant in Menomonie and the construction of the Menomonie Airport. Ron conceived the idea for the airport, and he was instrumental bringing it to fruition. Ron was deeply invested in the project and worked many hours pro-bono. He was dedicated to his community in so many ways, including serving as a rotarian and was club president. Ron later moved to Missouri and, on June 30, 1990, married Patricia Srock. Ron’s passion for community followed him to Missouri where he worked with the cities of Wentzville, Pevely and Herculanium.
Ron had a love for the outdoors, particularly his yearly trips to Canada to fish and pick blueberries. He enjoyed sharing his interests and experiences by inviting people from all different backgrounds to join him on his trips to Canada. He loved rocks and planting trees, so Ron and Pat purchased a beautiful 30-acre parcel on a river which later became known as Paw Paw Park, the campground he built from the ground up. The name was significant to Ron. “Paw Paw” the type of trees growing near the river’s edge, and “Park” was chosen instead of campground so it would be inviting to the whole community and not just campers. He demonstrated his love of rocks by completely rocking the outside of all the buildings on the park property and love for fishing by stocking the pond.
Ron is survived by his wife, Patricia of Madison County, Mo.; first wife, Kathleen and their children, Betsy (John) Wolbert of Menomonie, Steven (Kristin) Pember of Otter Creek, Tina (Clare), Tony (Kelly) Pember of Wheeler, Kathy (Pete) Bechel of Elk Mound, J. Pember and Julie Fritzel; step-children, Tamara (Patrick) Flores of Springfield, Mo., Ricky (Becky) Bush of O’ Fallon, Mo. and Christina (Ricky) Hudgens of Springfield, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; brother, Dale (Ida) Pember of Bloomer; and many nieces and nephews.
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.chippewavalleycremation. com.
Ron will be remembered for his strong belief regarding success. He often said, “Even though one may be mediocre, if one surrounds himself with good people, they will be a success!” Anyone that knows Ron would agree that he was definitely not mediocre.
Paid Obituary 91000
