Ronald John Suske, 83, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023 with his wife of 61 years, Karen, by his side. Ron grew up in Rothschild and was smitten by Karen in high school when he first saw her at the ice skating rink. They were united in marriage on Dec. 15, 1962 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Rothschild. Together, Ron and Karen owned and operated several grocery stores in the Rothschild area. Ron loved the Northwoods, and in 1986 they purchased a grocery store in Tomahawk and settled into a home on Deer Lake. In 1994, Copp’s Corporation chose Ron and Karen for their Grocer of the Year award.
Ron always enjoyed being in the great outdoors, splitting wood, deer and grouse hunting, and fishing, especially ice fishing. He was well known for his skill of water witching so people could find water for their wells. Ron adored his grandchildren and always attended their activities; he especially loved to swim in the lake with his grandchildren. Ron was an avid Packer and Badger fan. Each fall, he would spend long hours picking blackberries and always gave all of the berries away to grateful friends and family.
Ron is survived by his wife Karen; daughters, Linda Renn (Heath Somers), Rhinelander, and Kim Suske, Washburn; four grandchildren, Jason (Tricia) Renn, Kelsey (Zach) Lauterbach, Haydn Suske-Funk, and Ellyn Suske-Funk; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Clara, and Wyatt; sister, Carol (Duane) Grunewald, Wausau.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude (Schultz) Suske; grandchildren, Madison, Kalie Jo, and Chance; sisters, Alice, Margie, and Pat; and brother, LeRoy.
Services for Ron were held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at the Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral Home in Tomahawk with Chaplain Michele Rein officiating. Visitation was held from 10 a.m. to time of service. Entombment was private at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau.
Ron will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital and Riverview Health Services, Tomahawk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kinship of Tomahawk or your favorite charity. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com.