Obituaries
Mary A Ronk
Apr. 2, 1938 - July 24, 2025 - Chilton, WI
Funeral Service
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
1:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Mary A Ronk
Chilton WI
Mary A. Ronk, age 87, of Chilton, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee. She was born on April 2, 1938, the daughter of the late Victor and Agnita (Kees) Nennig. On October 27, 1962, she married John “Rod” Ronk, and together they raised four children.
Mary’s faith was important to her and shined brightest during the holidays. She especially loved Christmas, decorating her home with multiple Christmas trees and festive touches throughout. She also enjoyed entertaining—hosting a large family gathering every Easter and frequently welcoming friends and family for smaller get-togethers and card clubs.
Mary had a passion for antique furniture, many pieces of which were handed down through both her and Rod’s families. She lovingly refinished and reupholstered many of them herself. She also had a lifelong love of fashion. While raising her children, she sewed many of her own clothes and often worked at her sewing machine late into the night after the kids were asleep. During those years, she was active in the Calumet County Homemakers Club. She and Rod were also members of a local dance club; Mary delighted in dressing up in elegant outfits she had made herself, enjoying a night out for dinner, and dancing with friends.
Once their children were grown, Mary and Rod traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and overseas. They also held season tickets to Wisconsin Badger football games for many years, spending memorable weekends in Madison with their dear friends, Joyce and Dale. Mary remained an enthusiastic supporter of Wisconsin’s college and professional sports teams throughout her life. Mary maintained an active social life and loved spending time with her family and friends—she always looked forward to the next lunch, party, or gathering!
Mary is survived by her children: Julie (Kevin) Penneau, Joseph “Joe” Ronk, James “Jim” (Tricia) Ronk, and John (Julia) Ronk; grandchildren: Conor Penneau, Kieran Penneau, Tyler Ronk, Allison Ronk, Haley Ronk, Paloma Gwin (Ian Condon), and John Dylan Ronk; siblings: Sue (Floyd) Piepenburg, Bob (Deb) Nennig, Ginny Webb, Dick (Kathy) Nennig, Dave (Lyla) Nennig, and Linda (Curtis) Puckett; as well as many other cherished family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rod; her parents, Victor and Agnita; sister-in-law: Mary Nennig; and her brother-in-law, Jack Webb.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Please join the family for lunch and a celebration of Mary’s life following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider performing a random act of kindness or making a donation to a charity of your choice.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Calumet County Home Health, her care team at Ascension, the staff at Froedtert Hospital, and the many friends and family who helped Mary live her best life.
Condolences
“Mary Ann Ronk” My condolences to all who are here today, and to those who couldn’t be here but are with us in spirit.I’m in awe of the number of friends and family who have shown their love, support, and care toward the Ronk family and siblings. Today, I’m both saddened and joyous at the same time. I was given the privilege of getting to know this family back in 1994. I came here from California to meet Linda’s mom and siblings for the first time. I’ll admit, I was nervous they might disapprove of me. Mary and Rod would drive to Milwaukee to pick us up and bring us back to Chilton — all out of the kindness and caring that ran deep in the Nennig-Ronk clan. We would sometimes stay with Mary and Rod, and they were always so hospitable and gracious. To know Mary was to love Mary. She was proud of her family and home, she loved decorating for the holidays and enjoyed dressing up and showing off her new outfits. We truly enjoyed staying with the Ronk’s and listening to Mary’s stories — stories about growing up on the farm, meeting Rod, being a wife and mom, and her strong love for the Chilton community. She was an All-American girl. Mary was a big-city girl from Chilton. She was class in a small-town way. I loved hearing her adventures — trips to New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco with her girlfriends. She even went to Madison on her own and lived there for a while. One of my favorite memories with Mary was our Chinese food tradition. I’d come over and help her with small chores, and she would insist on paying me. I would only accept Chinese food as payment, knowing how much she loved it. Her favorite part of the meal was the fortune cookie at the end. Our tradition was to open the cookie, read the fortune out loud — and then add the words “in bed” at the end. Mary loved that twist. In honor of Mary, remember to always add “In Bed” to every fortune you read. I hope you’ll keep that tradition alive. She’ll still get a laugh out of it in heaven. In parting, Nothing is coincidence. Every soul you meet is written into your destiny — to teach you, to heal you, or to love you. As Jimi Hendrix once sang… “And The Wind Cries Mary”.
Curtis Puckett (Brother in Law) 2025-08-11 09:12:33
Julie, Kevin, Conor, Kieran and all family, we are thinking of you so much right now and wish you peace.
Donna & Todd Lassa (Friends of Daughter) 2025-08-01 18:03:50
Our deepest sympathies to your family on Mary's passing. May God be with you as you celebrate her life and support each other during this difficult time. Mary was a special woman and she will be missed. Sincerely, Tom & Linda Cullen
Tom & Linda Cullen (Friends) 2025-07-30 15:37:46
Sorry for your loss.
Andy Heus (Son's Friend) 2025-07-29 14:41:26
Our love and hugs to Linda, Curt and their extended family. She sounds like a wonderful person, a beautiful sister, and a loving mother. So many beautiful memories to cherish.
Tony and Carol Sandrolini (Friends ) 2025-07-29 09:30:52
Julie, Kevin and family, so sorry for your loss! Your mom was (is) a special lady! I feel lucky to have known her and your entire family. Sending prayers and hugs.
Patty Levknecht (Friend of family ) 2025-07-29 08:19:12
Mary was a wonderful person to know over the years. Always a delight to talk to. My sympathies to the family.
James Pethan (Friend ) 2025-07-29 07:22:57
So sorry for you loss, I will miss her very much!
Kyle Thomas (Friend) 2025-07-28 13:35:02
I only knew Mary through delivering meals to her, but she was the sweetest person ever. I always looked forward to visiting her, even if it was for only a few minutes.
Karen Doerr (Aquaintance) 2025-07-28 08:12:50
Such class & kindness. Hugs to the Ronk family.
Pastor Paul Hertel (Paperboy) 2025-07-28 07:15:11
So sorry for your loss. Mary was the sweetest ????. Rest in peace
Ann Rusch (Acquaintance) 2025-07-27 16:23:51
RIP Mary. Condolences to your family.
Barbara Bittner (Family friend) 2025-07-27 15:31:42
so sad to learn of Mary's passing, she was a wonderful person
Mary Binsfeld (friend/classmate) 2025-07-27 13:04:00
Fond memories and such a caring friend. Will miss her. Sorry for your loss.
Karen Juckem (Friend ) 2025-07-27 11:22:21
I'm saddened to hear of Mary's passing.
Mark Kartheiser (Friend) 2025-07-27 10:48:50
Jim, Trisha & your entire family-- I'm so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I always loved talking to her! My sincere condolences.
Mary Jo Anhalt (Aquaintance) 2025-07-26 22:15:12
Had good times with Mary-a invitation to her home was always a special occasion-she was a special lady. So sorry for your loss.
Cleo Rust (Friend) 2025-07-26 19:07:58
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