Obituary for Ronald Joseph Despins
June 28, 1943 – May 24, 2023
Ronald Joseph Despins, 79, passed away at his residence on May 24. He was born in Racine on June 28, 1943, the son of the late Edwin and Marion (nee: Steiner) Despins.
Ron was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, class of 1961. On Sept. 20, 1969, Ronald was united in marriage to Mary Frances LaPinske who preceded him in death on Dec. 28, 2000. He was employed by Twin Disc for 39 years until his retirement in November of 1999. Ron was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he also served on the Athletic Board for 21 years. In his earlier years, Ron was a Cub Scout Master. He was an avid Brewers and Packers fan. He was a volunteer at Harmony Club and enjoyed spending time with family and friends going for breakfast, playing cards and poker.
He was loved dearly and will be sadly missed by his children, Edward Despins, Gene Despins, Jodie Despins, Robert Despins, and Ron (Sarah) Despins Jr. He loved being a grandpa to Nathaniel, Riley, Daniel, Juliet, Maryann, Alea, and Payton; son-in-law, Matt (Angela) Scheck; and sister-in-law, Judy Despins. He will be missed by many other relatives and many dear friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Scheck; brother, Robert Despin; and his loving companion and friend, Gloria Christiansen.
Services
A mass of Christian burial celebrating Ron’s life will be held an noon on May 31 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation from 10:30 a.m. until time of mass at the church.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff at Oak Park Place and St. Croix Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Donations in memory of Ron can be made to the Racine County Special Olympics and/or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.
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