Ronald James White

Ronald “Ron” James White, 79, of Milwaukee, WI, passed away peacefully after a long struggle with Parkinson’s, Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center. Ron was born August 25, 1939, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Millard and Alice (Glaser) White; he married Ruby (Walter) White on June 20, 1964 in Milwaukee, WI. When Ron was still a boy his family moved to Kingsford, MI, where they welcomed Ron’s siblings, Joan and Shelly. Their parents eventually owned Enterprise Dry Cleaners. Ron graduated Kingsford High School class of 1957. There, Ron received a national thespian award for Meritorious Effort in theatrical arts. Ron was a member of a singing quartet and loved to woo the audience with his tenor voice. Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1957, serving from 1957-1960. He was stationed at the Marine Corp Air Station base in Iwakuni, Japan, where, he trained electricians, attaining the rank of corporal. Ron was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp in 1960. He chose to move to Milwaukee, WI to work at Cutler-Hammer as an electrician. From there he moved back up north to become a Prudential Agent of Iron County; where he also served as President to West Iron County Jaycees, a service organization, from 1968-1970. From 1969-1972 he attended NMU, graduating Sigma Cum Laude. Ron taught briefly after graduating and loved it, however, he accepted a lucrative position with American Motors Company (AMC) in 1973. AMC would go on to become Chrysler Corporation, where he worked until 1988. From there Ron worked for JI Case (CNH) Corporation from 1989-2002, with some contract work after that date. Later in life, Ron was honored to become a member of the Milwaukee Male Chorus; he sang baritone. Every so often you could still catch Ruby and Ron dancing their hearts out to a favorite oldies song in their living room or backyard. In retirement, Ron LOVED to cook and would often entertain his children’s friends who would come to visit for special occasions, backyard parties, and holiday festivities; he welcomed everyone with an open heart and just liked to hear people talk and laugh. It was very difficult for everyone, especially Ron, when Parkinson’s stole those simple pleasures of entertaining and conversation away from him. Ron is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 54 years, Ruby (Walter), who became his steadfast caretaker and partner in life. Loving son David; his children Noah and Elijah and their mother, Bess Corona; loving daughter Stephanie; her children Julian, Lucian, and Lydia; Brother-in-law Nick Paoletti, Sisters-in-law Shirley (Walter) Henschel and Sandie (Walter) Feltus. Further survived by loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Best Buddies of Don Schultz, Dale Frei, and Mike LaPointe. Heartfelt thanks to his special caretaker and confidant, Liz- his adopted sweetheart. Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Alice; sister Joan (Ted Kujala d.) and sister Shelly (Paoletti.) May that family be together again, dancing the night away. A very special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff, especially from the Dialysis Center, at Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center. Visitation will be held at MAX A SASS & SONS MISSION HILLS CHAPEL on Thursday, December 27 from 4-7pm. A Celebration of Ron’s life will follow at 7pm. Burial will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI on Friday, December 28 at 12pm. Please meet at the cemetery promptly before noon. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donation to the Kidney Foundation.