DENMARK, Wisconsin – Ronald Cattelan of Denmark, Wisconsin, a man of many interests and talents, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
He was born in Detroit, MI on March 15, 1938, to the late Fred and Marie Cattelan. He graduated from high school in Norway in 1956 and immediately entered the air force for four years.
In 1963, he graduated from Northern Michigan University and later earned his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. He taught art at Preble Jr. High, Edison Middle School, and Preble High School, retiring in 1995.
Ron was still doing some form of carpentry after building his mother’s house during her college days. During the summer holidays, he completed small and large carpentry projects. He built the three houses his family resided in, two family cottages, and several houses for his son and others.
Living in UP allowed him to go downhill skiing. Later he tried cross-country skiing and participated in many races including 20 Birkiebiener races. Running was also on his list of activities, starting with 5k and 10k events and ending up doing 11 marathons.
To celebrate his 50th birthday, he did the 50-mile Ice Age Trail race. The bike, on-road and off-road, filled many summer weekends. His longest ride was the one-day Ride Across WI – 220 miles. Ron has also managed to do triathlons; his longest were Tinman events. He went golfing just for fun.
Ron was a member of All Saints Parish in Denmark, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club of Denmark, American Legion Post 363, Italian Club, Co-Founder of Bay Shore Bicycle Club, Friends of Neshota Park, Bailiff at Weidner Center and delivered meals on wheels.
Ron joked that his only regret wasn’t buying the Cadillac he wanted.
On December 27, 1965, Ron and Lu (formerly Lucille LaBelle) married and raised three sons and a daughter together.
Survivors include his wife, Lu; sons, Russell (Lorna), Ross (Rachel), Rory (Michelle) and their children, Alexa, Sophia, Isaac and Maria; and his daughter, Renee (Tetsuya) Yamada and their daughters, Risa and Rie. He is also survived by his brother, Ramon Cattelan; sisters, Yvonne (Vincent) Fiorucci and Suzanne Varda Cattelan; and godchildren, Tiffany (Joe) Baudhuin and Tony (Teena) Fiorucci. Also survived are a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Dan and Vi LaBelle, Talon and Steel Kilgore-Cavis; and nieces and nephews.
Ron was predeceased by his son, Ryan Michael; his parents; her in-laws, Lloyd and Alma LaBelle; and his sister-in-law, Alice LaBelle.
Visitation will be at All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark on Friday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Mass will be celebrated at noon, Fr. Xavier Amirtham, O. Praem officiating. Interment at All Saints Cemetery to follow.
Thank you to the staff at Unity Hospice and all the professionals who have helped Ron through his many medical journeys. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Johns Homeless Shelter in Green Bay or your favorite charity in Ron’s name.
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