RONNIE L. WEST

RONNIE L. WEST

     Ronnie L. West, a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, left us Oct. 9, 2024. Born Aug. 9, 1950, Ronnie lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service toward his country, community, family and friends. He loved camping on the shore of Lake Arbutus, fishing, hunting and helping out with the local cranberry harvest every fall. His real “happy place” was on the family farm; whether clearing trails, hosting the yearly deer harvest with the hunting crew or hanging out with family and friends in the shed.

     He was a proud veteran, serving his country for 37 years as a soldier in the Army National Guard. He was employed at Volk Field and Fort McCoy for 35 years and retired from the 1158th Transportation Unit as a master sergeant. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been awarded numerous medals and achievements during his career, including several meritorious service and humanitarian awards.

     He was also an active member of his local community, serving on the Skyline Golf Course Board of Directors, a member of the Hixton American Legion and a founding member of the Jackson County Wildlife Fund.

     Although Ronnie enjoyed being involved in his community, to him, his greatest lifetime achievement was his family. He is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters Kim (Jay) Wittliff and Angie (Bob) Kedzierski; grandchildren Hailey and Kayla Wittliff and Jacob and Reese Kedzierski; brother Steven (Ruth) West; brother-in-law Kent (Laurie) Severson; and sister-in-law Kathy (Bill) Nortman. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Joyce (Loasching) West; in-laws Eddie and Marguerite Severson; brother Gaylin (Grayce) West; and brother-in-law Jim Severson.

     A celebration of life gathering will be held at the American Legion Miles-Hagen Post 200 located in Black River Falls Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. A brief memorial service with military funeral honors will begin at 3 p.m. led by Pastor Elden Simonson. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Jackson County.