Ramon M. Valtierra

Ramon M. ValtierraRamon Macias Valtierra was called to heaven to be with his wife on Friday, May 5, 2006. at age 85. Ramon passed away peacefully surrounded by his children. The Valtierra family formerly resided at 345 Grove Street After Ramon's second stroke; he began living at St. Francis Home, where he had been a resident for the past 3½ years. He was born February 1, 1921, in Columbus, New Mexico, the son of Carlos and Carlota Monreal Valtierra. Ramon lived in Van Nuys, California until age 11 when his family returned to Mexico during the depression. On June 24, 1940, he married Maria del Refugio Arellano in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico. Seeking a better life for his wife and children, Ramon and Maria returned to the United States, settling in Fond du Lac in 1947 Ramon was a man of many trades; most notably as a master blue cheese maker at Tolibia Cheese, where he began employment in 1947 and worked for 40 years until his retirement. Ramon won numerous first prize awards at the Wisconsin State Fair for his famous Blue Cheese. Ramon's work ethic was an inspiration to all his children. He began working at age 12, working as a silver miner; migrant worker, plumber, electrician and cheese maker. During his 40 years at Tolibia Cheese he was proud to say he never took a sick day. Ramon will be remembered as a handsome, hardworking, proud father with a wonderful sense of humor, whom everyone liked. Ramon had the strength and determination to work hard and overcome many obstacles to give his family opportunities he only dreamed of. Ramon and Maria Valtierra celebrated 65 years of marriage on June 24, 2005. When Maria died on July 21, 2005, he lost the love of his life and now they are together again. Surviving are his children, Val Ryan, Flora (Doug) Stapel, Esperanza (Bill) Willis, Ray (Mary) Valtierra, Armando Valtierra, Susana Valtierra, Rhonda (Paul) Whitenack, and Richard (Jennifer) Valtierra; grandchildren, Deanna Stapel, Audra (Chris) Marek, Ray (April) Ryan, Alicia Ryan, Zachary and Zoe Valtierra, Anthony and Aviana Valtierra, and Vanessa Whitenack; great-grandchildren, Joshua Ryan and Alyssa Marek. He is further survived by a brother and sisters, Mike (Paula) Macias, Flora Macias, Gloria (Martinez) Martinez, and Lilia (Javier) Alaniz. His parents and his wife preceded him in death.



Visitation for Mr. Ramon M. Valtierra will be on Friday, May 12, 2006, from 2 to 3 pm at St. Francis Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3 pm. The Rev. Joseph Wolf will officiate and cremation will follow the services. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is serving the family. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com. A memorial has been established in Mr. Valtierra's name and will be used to donate to those in need.