Ronald Lee Oonk, Oostburg, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning, February 3, 2025 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. He was 76 years old.
Ronald was born December 23, 1948 in Sheboygan the son of Marvin and Johanna (Pater) Oonk. He grew up in Oostburg, graduating from Oostburg High School in 1967. He went on to serve his country in the United States Army, doing basic training at Fort Knox before being deployed to South Vietnam where he worked as a cook. He was a member of the Oostburg American Legion, Post 286. In October of 2018 he attended the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight with his son Kevin. The priceless experience was one he was grateful to share with his brother Roger, who attended with his son Ryan.
On August 7, 1971, he was united in marriage with Bonita “Bonnie” Jean Heinen at Gibbsville Reformed Church.
For over 30 years, Ronald worked as a draw press operator at Polar Ware where he also belonged to the Quarter Century Club. In his retirement, he loved working at Oostburg Piggly Wiggly for 12 years.
A lifelong and dedicated member of First Reformed Church in Oostburg, Ron served as an elder, deacon and usher. Ron was an avid sports fan, whether it was playing, officiating or watching. An active member of the local Officials Association, he was a WIAA basketball official for over 30 years and coached Oostburg High School varsity baseball. He was an active member of adult sport rec leagues including fastpitch, slow pitch and basketball. Above all, his favorite sports moments were watching his grandkids play.
In recent years, Ron looked forward to antiquing with his daughter Dawn. He spent his summers fishing, free time playing sheepshead in his two card clubs, and precious time going on his daily walk.
Ron is survived by his wife Bonnie and their children Kevin (Debbie) Oonk and Dawn Oonk, both of Oostburg; grandchildren Taylor of Green Bay, Derek of Gibbsville and Nick of Oostburg; brothers Roger (Mame) and Bradley (Mary) Oonk, both of Oostburg; brother-in-law Lloyd TerMaat of Cedar Grove; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Betty (Prange) Oonk, his parents-in-law Gordon and Maude (Dekker) Heinen, and his sister Carol TerMaat.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at First Reformed Church in Oostburg. Pastors Brian Taylor and Bob Rook will officiate. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service on Ron’s obituary page at wenigfh.com . The family will receive visitors at Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 4:00-7:00PM and again on Saturday at church from 10:00-11:00AM.
He will be laid to rest at Gibbsville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Reformed Church, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, or a charity of your choice.
Wenig Funeral Home – Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for online condolences.
Comments