Ronald C. Ostrowski

Ron Ostrowski passed away at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah surrounded by family on March 20, 2024.

Ron was born in Chicago, IL, to Andrew and Angeline Ostrowski, though he had fond childhood memories of his grandparents’ farms in Goodman and Armstrong Creek, WI. Ron was proud of his Polish heritage, traditions and family heirloom recipes which fortunately he passed on to us.

After high school Ron earned his associate degree in Conservation Technology at Fox Valley Technical Institute in Oshkosh. He became the Shawano County land conservationist/LIO for the next 34 years. He served on many committees at the local and state levels and obtained many grants and awards for the county. He helped many a farmer.

Ron had an aura. He was a magnet with a strut and a twinkle in his eye. He was a great dancer, did the disco and loved music, especially the blues and rock ‘n’ roll. He loved Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.

Ron enjoyed singing (especially in the shower) and was a very good singer (better than he believed himself to be). He could belt out “Blueberry Hill” and Joe Cocker tunes as good as it gets. He was original and fun to be around. He would write funky ditties to country western music. His musical talent was a trait he passed on to his kids.

Ron loved camping and whipping up coffee by hand on a rope. He loved nature, wildlife, fishing, cribbage and playing sheepshead with the guys.

He loved to cook and became a culinary artist making worldwide ethnic specialities. His Italian beef, Mom and Busha’s pierogies and chicken liver pâté were beyond compare, as were his homemade pies and artisan bread.

Intelligent, creative, fun and funny, he was an “I can do it myself” guy and then did it. Ron was a gifted gift to us all.

Ron loved his kids and family above all else.

His second love was old cars, especially Packards, in particular the 1940 Super 8. He helped form the Wisconsin Packard Club. He never missed an Iola Car Show until the pandemic. He finally got a 1940 Super 160 Touring Sedan, which drew attention at Iola’s Blue Ribbon Concourse and the Great Motor Memories tent display at Pierce Park. “Big Red” won several trophies at car shows including one Best of Show and even made the cover of Old Cars!

Ron is survived by his wife of 36 years, Nancy Ostrowski, his children Troy (Lynn) Ostrowski, Jessica (Jim) Sehmer, Wade (Heidi) Ostrowski, and his grandchildren Kasia, Mike, Brooke, Gavin, Nina, Otis, and Esther.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Andy.

A celebration of life will be held on May 26 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at Luigi’s Pizza & Pasta at 607 S. Main St. in downtown Shawano for family and friends. Condolences can also be offered online at www.eberhardtstevenson.com.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the family.