Ronald G. Lietz

Lietz, Ronald G.
Townsend

Formerly of Appleton, age 74, passed away at his home in Townsend on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. He was born in Wauwatosa, WI on December 19, 1933, son of the late Sylvia Lietz. Ron was proud to have served in the United States Army. He worked in the Appleton area for 40 years as a “body man”. On August 9, 1986 he married his wife of 22 years, Mary Velpel, in Appleton. He retired from Bergstrom Automotive in 1996 to Townsend WI. Ron cherished his family and friends, especially the time he spent building their retirement home. Ron was very proud of the home he and Mary built and shared it openly with everyone. He spent some of his happiest moments working on the home and in the yard and loved his “lake tours” on their pontoon boat. He will be remembered for his positive attitude, gentle kindness and giving nature.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Thomas (Stacie) Lietz of Kaukauna; stepchildren: Barbara (Ken) Lyons of Appleton, Richard (Debbie) Velpel of Appleton, Annette (Earl) Pickett of Marshfield, Steven Velpel of Appleton, and Kenneth (Connie) Velpel of Eagle River; 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren: and brothers: Wayne Gmeiner, James Gmeiner, and Dennis Michaelis. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanette “Babe” Lietz in 1974; their infant daughter, Laurie Ann; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Velpel.

The visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. with a “Time of Remembrance” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at the Wichmann Funeral Home.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Unity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Ron's name is being established.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 North Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231