Ronald O Ninedorf

Hilbert WI

Ronald O. Ninedorf, age 73, of Hilbert, died on May 31, 2025, at his home. He was born August 11, 1951, son of the late Eugene and Bernice (Schafer) Ninedorf. He married Elda Meyer on July 10, 1976, and together they had four children.

Ronald was born in Fond du Lac, WI, lived in Gravesville, WI and was a graduate of Chilton High School in 1969.

He was active duty in the Army for three years and then attended FVTC for Mechanical Drafting and CAD Design.
Ron was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a mentor, an active community member, a veteran, but most of all, a hero that many looked up to and respected. He loved his wife of almost 49 years, loved his four children, adored his granddaughter Albany, and was willing do anything for them at the drop of a hat. He was the glue that held the family together. He was always there to lend an ear when anyone, family or friend, neighbor or stranger, needed to vent their problems as he had an ability to offer the right words of comfort or advice in times of need.

Ron enjoyed going on family trips, fishing trips with co-workers, taking his kids to dirt track races, throwing bean bags for 57 Saloon, running NASCAR pools, coaching sports, being a cub scout leader, driving school bus, and officiating high school football. During his Army service, he was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War as a Weapons Specialist working on the Patton tanks, and earned both a National Defense Service Medal and a Sharpshooter Medal during his deployment. As an active community member, he proudly started the Hilbert Baseball and T-Ball Leagues, which still operate today. He was involved in building the first bleachers and food stand at the ball diamond, and he spent many winters making the ice-skating rink in the park across from the Hilbert Fire Station for the children and families to enjoy. In between the chaos of family life, Ron also found time to offer his services to his community by being an active volunteer firefighter with the Hilbert Fire Department for 34 years; he was able to utilize his training to work as a firefighter responder at the Calumet County Race Track.

After retiring as a Mechanical Engineer for 40 years, which took him traveling all over the United States creating electrical components for paper making machines, Ron took to his lawnmower and became the “lawnmower man” that was known to frequently mow neighborhood yards, as well as spent many hours on lawn and track care at Gravity Park race tracks. He enjoyed lending a helping hand wherever it was needed there, and the time spent there was made even better with being able to be at a beloved dirt track.

Ron, Ronny, dad, grandpa… you will be missed beyond words, but knowing you are in a better place without pain brings peace and comfort to those that love you. Your lessons, stories, words of wisdom and making sure our cups were always full never went unnoticed. Your memories, efforts, and community services will carry on in the lives of everybody you’ve touched through the years. You’ve crossed the finish line with a double checkered flag and can now enjoy eternal peace in the winner’s circle.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Elda; children: Kimberly Ninedorf, Ryan Ninedorf, Abbie Ninedorf (significant other, Brian Rangeloff), and Kelcie Ninedorf (fiance, Alex Brooks); a grandchild: Albany; siblings: Dan Ninedorf, Lynn Selle, and James Ninedorf; sister-in-law: Daisy Ninedorf; and nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Bernice; a brother: Dennis Ninedorf; and brother-in-law: Jeff Selle.

A special thank you goes out to the hospice nurses and volunteers, massage therapist and chaplain that brought more than comfort and care when they visited the house.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may call from 2:30 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. There will be an opportunity for friends and family to share stories and memories of Ronald during the service.