Ronald L. Ahner, age 65, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2002, at the Donald and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center, following a brave fight with lung cancer. Ron was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1936. He started his journey through life by being the youngest waterfront director in Wisconsin for the Boy Scouts, and he received the highest ranking position within the Scouts by age 16. In 1959 Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. degree. He served in the Army Reserve and entered the insurance business, establishing Badger Insurance Associates Corp., where he had recently retired. He was an avid sportsman. Active in Trout Unlimited, he was a national charter life member, holding several different Trout Unlimited committee positions in the Southern Madison Chapter throughout his life. Ron was instrumental in the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association; you could find him most days on that very stream, fly rod in hand. Outdoor stories and trophies were many, but a Dali ram shot in Alaska, and a prize musky recently caught in northern Wisconsin, rank at the very top. He served as the town of Berry's supervisor, as well as various other committees supporting local interests. The efforts of the Red Cross were very important to Ron, and he was recently recognized by the governor of Wisconsin for his continuous support. His other hobbies included fly tying, hunting, gardening, wine making, cooking, and of course was always the avid sun worshiper. He was a father, a leader, and most of all a role model to so many, he will be dearly missed. Ron is survived by his wife of 33 years, Susanne; his two daughters, Laura Pollick (Gordon) of Mount Horeb, and Maria Disrud (Kip) of Lodi; and five grandchildren, Shana, Ashley and Matt Disrud, and Dane and Sierra Pollick; two brothers, Charles Ahner (Sandy) of Fond du Lac, and twin brother, Richard Ahner (Mary Ann) of Stoughton; as well as nieces and nephews. He is further survived by many special friends, including Michael OLeary, and Matt Wilcox, who were among those at his side through the end. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15, 2002, at ST. MARTINS LUTHERAN CHURCH, Cross Plains, where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trout Unlimited State Council of Wisconsin; the University of Wisconsin Rowing Association Inc. (Crew House); St. Martins Lutheran Church (for the library fund); or to the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center, Madison.

Publication:The Capital Times
Location:Madison, Wisconsin
Issue Date:Tuesday, February 12, 2002 Page:13