Ronald R. Frederick
Ronald Robert Frederick
March 17th, 1942 – August 23rd, 2025
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Ronald Robert Frederick for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. Ron’s loved ones celebrated his life with a touching memorial service at historic Kemper Center in Kenosha, WI. Several family and friends shared lovely sentiments about Ron, and his son, Michael, gave a heartfelt toast while guests raised a glass of soda or Stella Artois, Ron’s favorite. Ron made a lasting impact on the community, and he will be dearly missed.
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Mark Twain said, “The mind has a dim sense of vast loss- that is all. It will take mind and memory months and possibly years to gather the details and thus learn and know the whole extent of the loss.”
For us, that means it is not yet possible to fathom the extent of Ron’s loss and the impact his absence will have on your lives. Missing someone you love lasts for always. Look around you. Please know that you do not walk this journey alone.
Ron would not want your heart to be troubled. May you know in your heart that Ron’s journey is complete. He is reunited with the loved ones he had been missing, especially his parents, Harold and Deedees, his wife, Maureen, several beloved dogs, and other loved ones. He is surrounded by love. May you find comfort in sweet memories, and may you find peace in the ways you find Ron to still be part of your present.
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An only child, Ron grew up in Milwaukee and graduated in 1960 from Solomon Juneau High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned degrees in Social Studies and Secondary Education and a master’s degree in Social Welfare.
Ron made Kenosha his home. He welcomed two children into the world, Shari and Michael. Ron liked to read and hunt. He loved music and going to concerts. He enjoyed time with his wife, Maureen, until her passing in 2018. He adored being grandpa and loved living close by so that he could nurture family relationships with his children, his daughter-in-law, Leigh, his 3 grandchildren, and his 3 great-grandchildren.
A champion for the community and public servant, Ron dedicated his life to helping others and to making the City of Kenosha a better place for all. He served as the Director for the Division of Disability Services in Kenosha County. He taught classes at Gateway Technical College on several different topics. He served as an alderman and supporter of the Democratic party. He was actively involved with numerous local organizations including the Mahone Foundation, Kiwanis Club, AARP Foundation, Women and Children’s Horizons, Humane Society, Congregations United to Serve Humanity, the Moose Lodge, and so much more.
He was a steadfast advocate for people impacted by substance use and mental health challenges and a strong supporter of the Hope Council’s mission. He was a founder of the Kenosha Harbor Market and was instrumental in the building of the Kenosha Harbor area museums. Ron was a fierce advocate for health awareness initiatives and a key player for the ordinance to ban smoking in local bars and restaurants. He compassionately assumed the role of guardian for several wards of the state. He positively impacted countless lives in Kenosha and beyond.
Son, Michael, said, “Dad was really smart. Linguistically big, long, and complicated.” I’m sure many of you can smile and nod and recall spirited conversations with Ron.
I just watched an interview of Ron on Facebook, and I’d like to share his impactful words with you: “I’m Ron Frederick from Kenosha, Wisconsin, and I like volunteering because legislation in particular does not get changed unless people clamor for it. So, I am a clamorer.”
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There are so many stories to tell and memories to relive. Please, share the memories, share the love today and in the days and years to come so that Ron’s legacy of kindness and advocacy may endure.
“What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others remains immortal.” –Albert Pike
Everything Ron did for you, his impact as a public servant, will remain immortal and stay with you and this community always. In Ron’s words, for whatever is coming after, say your prayers to the God of your choosing.
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Ron, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly