Ronald A. Wright

LANCASTER- Ronald A. Wright, age 86, passed away early morning Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, IA surrounded by his loving family. He ended his journey on earth with us to join his Heavenly Father in eternal peace after dealing with Parkinson’s disease for several years. He was born on September 5, 1939, in Fennimore, WI the youngest son of Virgil Henry Wright and Belva Pearl (Oates) Wright. Ron enjoyed growing up in rural Fennimore, WI as he learned lessons of animal husbandry and dairy farming on the Gurnsey homestead while attending Gap (one room) School. He loved learning the trade of farming and the business behind it which led toward winning the 4-H Key Award. While the family struggled like many in that era, he found uplifting wisdom in Gods circle of life plan that rural families cherish. Later, attending High School in Fennimore, Ron earned his FFA State Farmer Degree, graduating with the class of 1957. After, he was off to the Army at Fort Bragg for six months of service and weekends/summers for 5 years as a Sargent in the reserves.

In January 1958, he began pursuit of an Agri-Business degree at UW- Platteville, transferring to the University of Wisconsin – Madison with encouragement from his Uncle Earl (a professor at Iowa State with connections to Madison). Working full time ‘in the barns’ to pay tuition, Ron graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agri-Business in 1962. He then worked as a 4H extension Agent in Oneida County learning leadership skills and making many contacts. Ron married Judith G. Dies (West) in Shorewood, WI at Kenwood United Methodist Church on April 20th, 1963, to begin an amazing journey and soon after moved to Lancaster, WI. The move began with work at Lancaster State Bank as an Agriculture Loan Officer. He found ways to help numerous families prosper with home and farm estate planning and financing.

Ron was a very active community member, served on the Lancaster School Board as the treasurer for several years, and was active in Lancaster’s music & sports boosters. He had loved sports since boyhood and enjoyed watching local teams’ achievements, especially with his kids and grandkids. He was a long-time member of the Lancaster United Methodist Church where he was known by many as their Sunday School teacher. Ron made a career change to pursue helping more people, first to start Weber Realty in Lancaster, then to sell Insurance and Annuities. His interests and expertise led to real estate investments and renovating a hog farm to operate as side jobs. Followed by opportunities to work closer with farmers, he became the Executive Director with Wisconsin Pork Producers and later Regional Director with Triple ‘F’ feeds. These jobs included many miles of travel throughout most of Wisconsin and the Midwest. Many more miles of travel with Judy to always attend every family activity or event. During this time, Ron was Appraising homes, selling and teaching real estate sales and farming. Appraising Homes eventually turned into full-time work which his daughter Laura assisted in the business. He trained numerous people and family to be certified appraisers and continued this fulfilling, challenging work until just recently.

Ron loved music varieties from country gospel to folk traditional and hymns, enjoyed gatherings to chat with people and was always looking to learn more about others, especially family. He had great interest in genealogy, travel, and family gatherings. He was a proud Wisconsin Badger Alumni and devoted sports fan which he’d planned his days around game times. You would often find him cheering on all Wisconsin pro teams like the Packers, Brewers and Bucks, but of course any Badger game. Most knew Ron as a wise, kind man with an accepting and positive outlook who could guide a discussion over ‘coffee’ toward great plans in major life decisions. He had a great sense of listening well enough to know a person’s virtue and soft, yet firm voice to lead you on a righteous path.

Ron was a loving Dad of four children: Carol Alynn Thole (Steve) Dellett, David Ronald (Katherine) Wright, Steven Douglas (Lisa) Wright and Laura Kristine (Rob) Gruber. He thoroughly enjoyed his time with family including his 13 grandchildren: Collin (Emily), Logan (Sarah) and Lauren Thole (Brandon) Beegle; Jade (Mike) Loehe, Tyler, Trevor (Lauren) and Hannah Wright; Rebecca (Alex Parr) and Ryan Wright; Peyton, Zachary, Alexander and Ashley Gruber who all loved him very much. Additionally, Ron has been blessed with great-grandchildren: Trey and Jace Loehe, Auden and Maya (Logan) Thole. Ron is survived by his loving sister-in-law Donna Wright. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Judith G. Wright; his four siblings: Phyllis (Jim) Adametz, Betty (Gerald) Batton, Ruth (Art) Crubel and Lloyd; his in-laws Harold and Dolores Ranson and Isabelle “Izzy” Dies. Ron wanted us all to celebrate the memories of his time with us, the marvel of Gods world and the joy of his eternal life.

“I try to find God’s Will in every person life plan.” - Ron Wright

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Burial will be held at a later date. Family and friends may visit on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

Online condolences: www.kramergraufuneralhomes.com