Ronald O. Velie

Ronald “Ron” O. Velie, age 81, died peacefully on April 12, 2024, with his family at his side. He was born September 16, 1942, to Arnold and Bernice (Miller) Velie. Ron grew up in Appleton, graduating from Appleton High School. In 1960, Ron met Alice Nau, the young lady who was destined to become the love of his life. They began dating a few years later and married on September 12, 1964. The couple proceeded to have three children in Appleton and spent the next 59 years together.

Ron enjoyed the outdoors, and animals of all sorts, especially dogs and cats. He loved to feed the birds and chipmunks and was a friend to all the neighborhood critters. He loved his family most of all and was passionate about his children and his wife. Watching a beautiful sunrise, marveling at the power of a thunderstorm, and making observations about all things beautiful were high on his list.

Ron’s exclamations of “Wow” spoke volumes to his family as he worked to express his gratitude, his awe and his wonder.  He loved sharing his joyful observations with family, friends and caregivers.  Ever observant, he would often comment on the beauty of a shirt worn or the novelty of a pair of sunglasses.

The property in Crandon was a second home to the family through and including grandchildren. He loved to feed the hummingbirds at the property, and it became a gathering space for those little feathered friends. Neighbors in Crandon became lifelong friends. 

Ron is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Alice; his children: Daniel (Wendy) Velie, Michael (Jane) Velie, and Christine (Robert) deBoer; Nicholas (Chelsea) Velie, Kaitlin (Michael Waters) Velie, Jessica Velie, Jacob Velie, Jonathan Velie, Willem deBoer, Ella deBoer, and Ian deBoer; and great grandson Barrett. He is further survived by his brothers: Jerry and Terry Velie as well as many other good friends and family. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother David Velie.

Ron’s life will be celebrated with a gathering on Thursday April 18, 2024, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton. Friends and family may gather on Friday April 19, 2024, from 9:00am until 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Ave, Appleton. A funeral service will take place at 11:00. Ron will be interred at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. 

Special thanks to Heartwood Homes and Asceracare Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Ron these last months.