RONALD WEGE
December 25, 1943 - November 13, 2022
Obituary
Ronald E. Wege, 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded in love by his family at his side. He was born to Irene (Pohlman/Terrio) and Edward Wege on December 25, 1943, near Hortonville, Wisconsin. It was at a cousin's wedding where he met the true love of his life, Carla Leppla, and after courting her for some time, they were wed on October 5, 1968. As the years progressed, their marriage introduced three children and six grandchildren, and endured nearly 54 years until Carla's passing earlier in 2022.
Those who knew Ron understood his commitment to his family and the incredible kindness and empathy for others. He loved spending time on the boat with Carla and the kids in summer, playing horseshoes at family reunions, taking the family on annual trips to the Dells, and helping to build snow forts in winter. He was lucky enough to go to Hawaii twice – once on a couples' vacation with Carla, and another to celebrate their 40th anniversary with their immediate family on the shores of Waikiki Beach. And we'd be remiss if we didn't mention how much he loved all the “grand” dogs and animals our collective family had over the years. The dogs knew that grandma would give them treats, but grandpa gave the best and most gentle pats and pets. He provided love and quiet strength for his family and was a constant source of support. His kind heart and easy-going nature drew people in and made it simple to be in his presence. He was liked and loved by all who met him. He was so proud of his kids and grandkids and all their accomplishments and attended many concerts, sporting events, and everything in between with Carla.
He had a love for all things outdoors and a “green thumb” which he inherited from his mother, and kept a large garden and many beautiful flower beds over the years. He took great pride in his giant yucca plant, that despite the odds, came back every year! He fostered a hobby of growing apples in the orchard on his family property on Wege Road near Stephensville and passed that interest to his son, Cory. He was a talented welder that worked in the trade for 44 years perfecting his skill and was happy to be able to share his knowledge with others, including numerous students at The Brigade in Neenah. One of those students happened to be his granddaughter, Maddy, who became hooked on the hobby and continues to practice the craft.
Ron was blessed with a curiosity for mechanics and an innate ability to fix things, and regularly helped his family with many different projects. His kids and grandkids would often give him broken toys and electronics and he would return them repaired. While Ron had a quiet nature about him, he would always embrace and socialize with family and friends. He participated in dartball league and provided maintenance and weekly usher scheduling for his church.
His service to our country from 1962 to 1965 as a radar operator in the Vietnam War took him to faraway places in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. He loved to share the many stories of his U.S. Air Force training both at home and abroad. His family was grateful to have him recently participate in Mission 59 of the Old Glory Honor Flight in Appleton, and have his daughter, Keri, accompany him as his guardian on that amazing trip.
His family deeply misses him, including his children: Keri (Charlie) Pritzl, Chad (Matt Luther) Wege, Cory (Brenda) Wege; as well as his grandchildren: Maddy, Jacob, Elly, Benjamin, Gavin, and Katilyn. He is further survived by his sister-in-law: Donna Warmbier; brothers-in-law: Jim (Jackie) Leppla and John Langner; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death was his wife and lifelong love of nearly 54 years, Carla Wege. It brings some comfort to know they are together again.
Visitation will be held at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home on Friday, November 25, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 26 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 118 Oak St., Neenah, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers, which can be made to the American Cancer Society and the Old Glory Honor Flight in his memory.