Ronald Mikesell

Ronald Eugene Mikesell was born in Menomonie on February 20, 1949 to Ray and Kay Mikesell. Younger brother John and sister Danelle completed his family. Ron finally found peace & freedom from pain in the early hours of April 22, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health System–Menomonie at the age of 76. He was surrounded by his loving wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, brother & sisters-in-law. All were shown great understanding and support by RN Heath and Dr. Bjorklund. The family would also like to thank Dr. Adam Miller who was there for Ron whenever needed.

Ron was a fighter his whole life – until his many illnesses eventually took that fight from him. Pain, disease, physical restrictions and "too many darn pills" took a lot of joy from him over the last several years. Ron had an intense joy for eating and, later in life, became a lover of wine. After years of illness, Ron had to start forcing himself to eat – a sign to friends & family that Ron truly was not well.

Ron grew up on Tainter Street in Menomonie, with a lot of other buddies his age. They all attended North Elementary and then went on to Junior High & High School in Menomonie. Ron was raised in the Baptist faith. He didn't approve of the restrictions it put on him – such as no movies, no dances, no card playing - or in Ron's words, "no fun". Ron was never afraid to tell you how he felt about things, but he was a good diplomat.

Ron was always a big guy. A fierce offensive lineman, #66, and a captain of Menomonie High's football squad, Ron made his impact. While playing football he did take time to meet his forever love, Pat Eiseth, in his junior year. Ron had a great singing voice and sang in the MHS choir (mostly because Pat was also there). They graduated in 1967. He affectionately nicknamed her "Peppermint Patty". They married on August 23, 1969 at Peace Lutheran Church. They were married one day short of 55 years and 8 months. While Pat was attending college at UW-Eau Claire, Ron was earning his marketing degree at Eau Claire Technical School. He attended Milwaukee Technical School where he learned to become a wonderful chef. He also was a member of the National Guard.

Ron's love for food took he and Pat on many adventures and what came to be known as the "Central Wisconsin Tour", as Ron was eager to use his cooking talents. They lived in Madison, Middleton, Cross Plains, Lodi, Black Earth and Sauk City. Ron worked in numerous meat markets and grocery stores, eventually buying his own grocery store in Sauk City. From there it was on to Baldwin, where they rented and lived next door to the "Dull Funeral Home". They finally bought their first home in Woodville where Ron worked as a meatcutter while Pat taught at Greenfield Elementary School in Baldwin. Family members loved their weekend "tours" seeing Wisconsin. Finally settling in Menomonie after being hired at Red Owl, they bought a home in Dunnridge Estates by Downsville and excitedly welcomed their son Brian into their lives on May 4, 1979.

Not long after, Ron and Pat became owners of The "Diamond Supper Club'' just outside of Menomonie. This became a beloved place for many friends & families as they spent great times – esp. Tuesday and Friday nights – sharing food & drink & listening to Ron's jokes, for which he had a true talent. He did a great Ole & Lena & "Hey Dare" holds a special place in our hearts. He was a great cook, but everyone preferred his bartending because he couldn't tell his jokes from the kitchen. Ron's best customer and joke-lover was his father-in-law, Francis.

While still owning the Diamond, Ron became an insurance agent in 1989. They raised Brian in their home on Ballentine Road in Menomonie. Their next home was in Chippewa Falls on the Chippewa River where they spent many fun years pontooning and enjoying life on the river. While there, they happily became grandparents to their two dearly loved grandchildren, Charlie and Claire.

While still in Menomonie Ron was an active member of New Hope Lutheran Church in Downsville, where he served on the church council and was very involved in bringing one of the first Hmong families to Wisconsin. He also served on the Menomonie School Board for four exciting years. Ron was a big supporter of Menomonie sports and totally backed the Menomonie Indians and all they stood for. Ron was a great trip planner, willingly accompanied by sister-in-law, Linda, and brother-in-law, John. Many wineries were visited by the four of them and much fun was had. "Wine Trips" to Hermann, Missouri, Southern Illinois, Mackinac Island (Metivier Inn) and all over Wisconsin with friends, hold special memories. Ron always wanted to go somewhere special for Pat's birthday. Their final birthday trip in 2023, despite Ron's declining health, took "the four" to Mackinac Island one last time.

In August 2021, they made their final move back to Menomonie on Tainter Lake, where they could enjoy seeing their grandchildren's sports and activities. Though Ron couldn't always be present, they were always in his heart. Knowing he probably wouldn't be around to see his grandchildren grow up, Grandpa Ron made sure that when they got their driving permits, both had a nice vehicle to get around in.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Pat; son, Brian (Jenny) Mikesell of Menomonie; brother, John (Katie) Mikesell of Colfax; sister Danelle (Ricky) of Lebanon, Tennessee; grandchildren, Charlie and Claire; sister-in-law, Linda (John) Lenz; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindberg and Steve Lindberg, all of Menomonie; aunt Kathy (Arnie) Arneson, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Francis and Vi Eiseth; grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Pastor August Hohl officiating. There will be a visitation on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Memorials may be directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (Ron's favorite charity), Peace Lutheran Church, Stepping Stones or the charity of your choice.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com