Ronald (Ron) A. Greeno, age 76, of La Crosse, passed away into a pain free eternity at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. Ron was born on January 19, 1946 in La Crosse, WI to Anthony and Ordell (Witt) Greeno.
Ron attended St. Mary’s Catholic school through the 8 th grade and then enlisted in the United States Army in 1964 where he obtained his GED. After Ron was honorably discharged from the Army, he served in the Wisconsin National Guard (32 nd Engineer) and later served in the United States Army Reserve (397 th Engineer).
Ron married Annette Briggs on January 28, 1967 in La Crosse, WI. They had two children then later divorced. Ron married Cathy (Goss) Greeno on June 18, 1976 and shared 19 years of marriage until her death on September 4, 1995.
Ron attended Western Wisconsin Technical College where he completed Automotive Mechanics and Automotive Body Repair education. He spent much of his career in the trade industry working as a mechanic. Ron worked at the La Crosse Garment Manufacturing Company, Norplex, Inc., La Crosse Footwear, and Dairyland Power Cooperative for 13 years. After retirement, he held many jobs to keep busy, such as driving school buses for the Holmen School District and harvesting apples for local apple orchards.
Ron was a proud member of St. James the Less Roman Catholic Church where he spent many years volunteering as an usher. He was also part of the American Legion Post 417 for 22 years which included 11 years in the Color Guard.
One of Ron’s proudest athletic accomplishments was being a two-time Golden Gloves champion. Ron started boxing at the age of 15 and would train with his brother Frannie and cousin Gary at the YMCA Boxing Club.
Ron had many hobbies but by far he loved fishing the most, although he seemed to spend most of the time fixing a broken fishing pole or tangled line and using a few choice words in the process. He was also by far the best fish fryer around, making his own batter and cooking the fish perfectly every time. He was an avid hunter for many years and enjoyed these times with his friends and family making memories even when they didn’t come home with any deer. When he was no longer able to hunt, he waited patiently to get the call from his son-in-law Jon to “get the garage ready” after he or his grandson’s Nathan or Brady got a deer and were bringing it over. Ron also enjoyed gardening and carpentry work.
Ron loved to travel with his family and friends. He spent many annual summer trips to Hayward where he would sit for hours fishing off the dock and singing along to the songs playing on the classic country music station. Ron also traveled to many warm weather destinations such as California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. Ron was a diehard Packers fan and was able to attend several games at Lambeau Field which he enjoyed tremendously.
Ron will always be remembered for his sense of humor, beautiful smile and piercing blue eyes. He was a friend to many, always there to lend a hand no matter what the ask. Ron had the best support system of friends, many who have been his friends since elementary school. He will be missed tremendously.
Ron will now be reunited with the love of his life, Cathy, who has been waiting patiently for 27 years.
Ron is survived by his two daughters, Samantha (Jay) Fisher of Cambridge, and Melissa (Jon) Nevala of Holmen; nine grandchildren: Erica, Brandon, Matthew (fiancé Brittany), Zachary, Michael, Benjamin, and Lucas Fisher; and Anna, Nathan and Brady Nevala; five great-grandchildren Lily, Noah, Molly, Elijah, and Isaac; one brother, Donald; one brother-in-law Jake Jenkins; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Cathy (Goss) Greeno; his son, Matthew Greeno; two sisters, Kathy Jenkins, Mary Breidel; three brothers, Roger Greeno, Francis Greeno, and Dennis Greeno; one sister-in-law, Edith Greeno; and one brother-in-law, Clarence Breidel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. James the Less, 1032 Caledonia Street, La Crosse. Father Robert Letona will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. with mass to follow. A private family burial with military honors will take place in French Island Cemetery following mass. A celebration of life will start at 12:30 p.m. at Robins Nest on French Island. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ron endured so many health obstacles over the past 15 years but battled each one with such determination and humor, he was such a fighter. Ron’s family would like to thank the wonderful Oncology and Hospice team at Gundersen Health System for providing amazing care during his journey. God is bigger than our woes, He is bigger than our suffering – death will not have the final word.
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