Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Phelps passed away on July 27, 2021 at the age of 78. Born on February 16, 1943
to the late Merton and Beatrice (nee Benson) Phelps, Ronnie spent his childhood and the majority of his
life in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. A loyal friend, Ronnie was deeply devoted to the community and was
often heard saying, “I live in a Norman Rockwell painting.” His neighbors and dear friends were his
family.
When Ronnie was 9 years old he met Mary Grafenstein (nee Wangerin) and Bobby Wangerin on a
winter’s day in Elkhart Lake while out playing in the snow. He was quickly folded into the Wangerin
family as a second son and a brother. He has played an important role as a favorite uncle and father
figure in the lives of Mary’s children, Steve (Julia Loo) Sutcliffe and Anne (nee Sutcliffe) Steven Schreiber.
He doted, like a grandfather, on the Sutcliffe (Sofie & Lucy) and Schreiber (Isabel, Olivan & Amelia)
children, sharing words of wisdom, support and love. Ronnie touched the lives of many and he will live
on in our hearts and be remembered for his lightening-speed wit and wicked sense of humor and
equally, for his generosity and kindness. A life-long scholar, Ronnie was humble at heart; however, he
could finish the Friday New York Times cross word puzzle in under five minutes.
As a teenager, it was the Quit Qui Oc Golf Club and Restaurant that introduced Ronnie to the world of
golf, where he was Junior Club Champ, which proved to be a favorite and life-long passion. While
Ronnie had the opportunity to play golf at some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, Quit Qui Oc
remained his favorite and most cherished course.
Ronnie was also a passionate learner of Native American history, art and culture. He honored,
embraced and adopted aspects of his learnings and applied them to his daily life. While a minimalist
himself, Ronnie was generous to his core and a champion for the underdog. He was quick to share his
good fortune with friends, generously helped those in need and donated to causes dear to him. Ronnie
graduated from Elkhart Lake High School in 1961, a letterman in five sports; he excelled at Basketball,
holding the scoring record at the school for decades. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-
Oshkosh, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1966. Upon graduation, he then
served our country as a medic in the Army Reserves National Guard.
After his service was completed, he moved to Northern California in 1968, where he began his 27-year
sales career for the Pacific Bell Telephone Company. While working for “Ma Bell” he was in charge of
communication for the Bing Crosby Pro-Am at Pebble Beach for many years. Ronnie then returned to
his beloved roots in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin in 1995. Ronnie will be keenly missed by all that knew and
loved him, including Janice Conrad and her loving family who has been part of Ronnie’s life for so many
years.
Following Ronnie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made in his name to: Sharon
S. Richardson Community Hospice, (920-467-1800) W2850 State Road 28, Sheboygan Falls, WI, 53085,
ssrhospicehome.org.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
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