Ronald Lang

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ronald “Ron” Lang, age 84, of Marathon, on April 5,2025. A devoted father, husband, grandfather and friend, Ron’s life was marked by his love of family, his passion for classic cars, and his dedication to community service.

Ron was raised in Marshfield and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in civil engineering. He worked as an engineer and project manager at companies including Johnson Controls, Gilbert/Commonwealth and the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences; among his many professional contributions were designing a widely sold Johnson Controls thermostat and receiving a U.S. patent for an animal drinking valve. After marrying Patti Berg in 1963, they raised their family in Jackson, Mich., then later Ann Arbor, Mich., eventually moving to the Seattle area to be closer to their kids and grandkids.

After Patti’s passing in 2011, Ron reconnected with Bonnie Bletsoe, a longtime friend from high school. Their bond was strengthened through shared memories and mutual support, as Bonnie was also mourning the loss of her first husband, who had passed away shortly after Ron's wife. Their relationship blossomed over time, and they were married in 2013, finding love and companionship later in life.

His love of craftsmanship extended to his personal life, where he spent countless hours rebuilding classic cars, including a 1934 Ford which he restored with such meticulous detail that it was selected by Ford Motor Company to display at their headquarters for Ford’s 100-year anniversary. A man who loved to give back to others, Ron volunteered his time and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Approaching every day with a positive attitude, he enjoyed traveling, driving his classic cars to car shows, and spending time with family and friends. Ron was also a lifelong dog lover and could always be found with a canine companion by his side. Ron was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg, a proud supporter of the Berlin Hamburg Lions Club, and deeply involved in local classic car clubs everywhere he lived. Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia (Berg) Lang, and parents, Nina and Ted Lang. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lang; his and Patti’s children: son Chris Lang and wife Alyssa Levitz, and daughter Michele Lang; his grandchildren, Zoe Lang and Phoebe Lang; stepchildren: Mark Bletsoe and wife Jackie, Chris (Bletsoe) Heil and husband Joe, Mike Bletsoe and partner Lance Hayes; step-grandchildren: Rebekah Henrichs, Jace Hanke and Trey Hanke; sister, Mary Scheuren and husband Dan; nieces, nephews and many close friends; as well as his beloved dog, Dutch, who brought him joy in his later years.

Ron’s legacy lives on through the love he shared with his family, friends and community. He will be deeply missed but always remembered for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to those he loved.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hamburg, on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be directed to the Humane Society of Marathon County or to the daycare fund at St John’s Lutheran Church, Hamburg.

The family extends their gratitude to Copperleaf Assisted Living, Marathon, for their heartfelt care of Ron in his final months.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

http://www.petersonkraemer.com

Paid obituary 167434