Ronald E. Goeden

Ronald “Ronnie” E. Goeden, age 84, of Ripon, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 12, 2023 following a tragic farming accident.

Ronnie was born in Ripon on August 28, 1938, son of Herbert and Norma (Weiss) Goeden. He graduated from Ripon High School in 1956 and went on to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1956-1960. He was a lifelong farmer and trucker, and worked his land until the very end. Ronnie met Rita Freund in 1977 and they enjoyed 46 years together. Ronnie enjoyed trap shooting, playing cards, and trips to the casino. He loved his John Deere tractors, and participated in many tractor pulls. Ronnie served on the Rosendale town board as supervisor, and had a seat at the “table of knowledge” in Rosendale. Most important to Ronnie was his family, who will miss him dearly.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Rita Goeden; his children, Debbie Keys, Vicki (Kevin) Hoch, Rick (Amy) Goeden, Steve (Jacque Dorschner) Goeden, and Tony (Terrina) Goeden; step-children, Toni (Ed) Matecki and Kris (John) Reitzel; 11 grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald (Cindy) Goeden; a sister, Noreen Liptow; nieces; nephews; and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Norma Goeden; a brother, Howard Goeden; and a granddaughter, Vanessa Keys.

Visitation for Ronnie will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm, and again on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, both times at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 401 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Ronnie will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Heather Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon, with a final salute and full military honors. A memorial is being established in his name.  

Ronnie’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the first responders, Fond du Lac County sheriff’s department (especially Luke Olson,) 911 responders, and everyone else who helped.