Ronald L. Callies passed at Hillside Manor on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 to his heavenly home after an eleven year battle with cancer.
Ron was born on August 5, 1936 in Elkhorn, WI to Erasmus “Joe” Callies and Crystal Gunderson. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School with the class of 1954. He was married to Barbara Posthuma on November 27, 1958 at Friedens Lutheran Church in Randolph. Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Chrysler Industrial and Marine in 1994.
Ron had many hobbies in life. He loved to travel, play cards and always looked forward to his fall fishing trip in Northern Wisconsin. He was an avid Packers and Badgers fan, enjoyed scuba diving and was also a little league baseball coach. His hobbies of photography and woodworking saw him winning awards at craft shows and county fairs. Ron was a member of Juneau Rod and Gun Club, the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146 and Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam.
Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Callies of Beaver Dam; daughter, Donna Callies of Phoenix, AZ; son, Douglas (Elle) Callies of Beaver Dam; granddaughter, Alexa Callies of Beaver Dam; brother, Donald (Diane) Callies of Rubicon; half-brothers, Joseph Callies of Mercer and Thomas Callies of Rubicon; half-sisters, Judy (Peter) Schultz of Maquaketa, IA, Susan (Eric) Laffin of Berlin and Mary (Todd) Engler of Mercer; and further survived by other relatives and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Esther Callies; sister, Patricia Callies and half-brother, Robert Callies.
A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Chris Davis will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam with graveside military honors provided by the John E. Miller American Legion Post. The legion members are invited to pay their respects with a walk-through at Cornerstone at 10:00 a.m.
The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Muchow and Ron’s hospice nurses, Amber, Lola and Ellen, for their tender care and devotion the past five years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ron’s name may be directed to Hillside Hospice, 705 S. University Ave., Beaver Dam or Grace Presbyterian Church, 215 Gould St., Beaver Dam.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
