Ron Wilichowski, 72, died peacefully Thursday, April 20, 2023, joining loved ones in heaven.
Ron was born May 5, 1950 to his parents, Edwin and MaryAnn Wilichowski in Wausau, WI. He attended St. Mary’s School and Marathon High School in Marathon, WI. It was there he met the love of his life, Mary Wilichowski (through some very competitive seed sales.) They began dating when he was attending college at UW- River Falls. They married March 24, 1973 at St. Mary’s in Marathon. They happily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, teaching their children what true love is.
Ron was a very proud dad, raising three children, Josh, Laura, and Liz. He attended many art shows, school functions, and other milestone events to celebrate his kids. He was often their sounding board, giving words of encouragement and wisdom right up until the very end. Ron was most proud of his 10 grandchildren, being present for as much as he could in their lives, whether a visit to Minnesota to walk for ice cream, a trip to New Berlin so that the grandkids could spend time with “Mooka”, or a trip to Colorado to explore the area with the kids and see his oldest grandchild graduate. Every visit included his amazing bowl of popcorn.
Ron’s best advice was to choose a job that “when you woke up in the morning, you were happy to go.” He did just that. Ron loved his job as a real estate broker and auctioneer. Interacting with people mattered so much to him, and this job allowed him to serve his community. Fond memories of his auctioneer calls and jokes dispersed between sales are tucked into the heads and hearts of many who got to see him in action. He worked until he couldn’t anymore, as he truly loved his job.
Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Wilichowski, his three children, Josh (Ann) Wilichowski, Laura (James) Anderson, Liz (John) Plant, his 10 grandchildren, Zander, Adeline & Wren Wilichowski; Evelyn, Hazel, & Henry Anderson; Maureen, Peter, Clyde, and Bonnie Plant; his siblings, David Wilichowski (Francine), Rosie Haas, John Wilichowski (Merry), and Annie Wells (Bob.)
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and MaryAnn Wilichowski, Felix Haas, Art & Evelyn Hilber, David Hilber, John Hilber, Beth Sommer, Tom Sommer, Julie Allman and Tony Shebenik.
Ron truly had the largest heart. He loved his family, his church, his auction crew, and his community deeply. Our hearts are broken as he is no longer with us, however, we are so grateful for all the moments we have had with him.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com
