Ronald S. "Ron" Gravelle

Ronald S. “Ron” Gravelle, 81, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 7, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Ron was born December 29, 1940 in Milwaukee, the son of Arthur and Rosetta (Firgens) Gravelle. He attended St. Joseph’s grade school, and Goodrich High School, graduating in 1960. After high school, he attended what is now known as Lakeshore Technical College in Sheboygan to learn the upholstery trade. On October 27, 1962, Ron married his loving wife, Sharon Shannon, celebrating sixty years of marriage this past October.

During the 1960’s, Ron served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Ron started Gravelle Upholstery in 1961. He enjoyed taking treasured furniture and giving it a new look for his many loyal customers. Ron had an incredible work ethic, evident in the almost forty years he worked for Mercury Marine, retiring in 2004. Following his retirement, he worked part-time for Holiday Automotive.

Ron loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. You could always hear him cheering them on! He was an usher at St. Louis Church and Sacred Heart Church for many years. Through his love of boating, he treasured family vacations for many years on the Chain O’ Lakes in Waupaca, where he and Sharon met many lifelong friends! In retirement, he and Sharon enjoyed travelling to Florida, Arizona and Mexico. He loved to play the guitar and sing, entertaining family, and friends at many fun parties through the years. Ron was a member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus and was on the Human Concerns Committee at the Sheltered Village in Ripon where his brother George resided for many years.

If you knew Ron, you loved him! Ron always made you laugh with his quick wit, as you never knew what he might say. He was kind, friendly to all, and had nicknames for many. Ron had a kind and loving way with everyone, young and old. He was an avid Badger and Packer fan. He also loved Indy car racing as he loved to go fast on land and sea!!

Ron was blessed with two children, Jeff and MariJo; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild due next month. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his children, Jeff (Kathy) Gravelle of Fond du Lac and MariJo Gravelle (Sonya Sobush) of West Bend; four grandchildren, Kyra (Sean) Ahern, Mason Gravelle, Marissa Gravelle, and Carter Sobush; two brothers, Arthur (Carole) Gravelle of Naperville, and James (Ann) Gravelle of Malone; brothers and sisters-in-law, Pat Straub, Mary (Rick) McQueen, and Mike (Rita) Shannon; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends! He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Phil and George; father and mother-in-law, Ray and Rose Shannon and a brother-in-law, Mike Straub.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth St. Way in Fond du Lac. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at church, beginning at 12:00 PM. Cremation has taken place. Entombment in Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation (please specify SSM Health Cancer Care) 430 East Division Street, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, or Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, earmarked “Pancreatic Cancer Research,” sent to Medical College of Wisconsin, attention Office of Advancement, PO Box 26509, Milwaukee, WI, 53226-0509, or Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 4th Street Way, Fond du Lac, WI 54937.

The family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Dr. Muller, Dr. Tolay and Ron’s angels; Kelly, Callie and Lisa at SSM Health Cancer Care, Dr. Evans and Gabby, Dr. Erickson, Dr. Kamgar, and the rest of the team at Froedtert, as they cherished the extra time they had with Ron.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com