Ronald "Ron" Lee Much

Ronald L. Much, age 75 of Marion, passed away Tuesday evening December 14, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born in New London, WI on August 13, 1946 to Herbert “Chip” Much and Bernice (Schoenrock) Much. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church at South Dupont. Ron grew up on the family farm in rural Ogdensburg. He attended Shady Grove Grade School and later attended Little Wolf High School in Manawa, WI graduating in 1964. He had a love for music. He established and played for many years with the Blue Mountain Boys orchestra playing for many weddings, anniversaries as well as polka fests and other events. He loved hunting and fishing growing up, and in his later years, golf was king. In 1964 Ron's parents sold the farm and purchased the Marion Recreation Bowling Lanes and he moved to Marion with his parents and brothers. While in Marion, he worked for Marion Body Works during the summer and attended the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. He then went to work with his parents at the bowling lanes as well as picking up advertising for the Marion Advertiser part time on Mondays. On June 1, 1968 Ron married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Hansen at St John's Lutheran Church in Marion. They settled in Marion and started to raise a family. Ron accepted a position as teller at Clintonville Federal Savings & Loan (now BMO) working his way up to Assistant Vice-President through work experiences and many home study courses. He helped to establish a branch office in Marion and served as branch manager. On December 4, 1983, Ron joined Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent Financial) as a District Representative for the Marion and surrounding area. Ron qualified for many sales conferences during his career with Thrivent as evidenced by the many souvenir magnets displayed on his refrigerator from each venue. He also served as a District Manager in AAL overseeing the development and training of new District Representatives. Ron also served for a short time as an Acting General Agent overseeing the operation of an entire agency until such time that a new General Agent could be hired and appointed. He retired in 2009. He served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the William Bertram American Legion Post# 198 of Marion. He also was a member of the Marion Lions Club joining in 1968. For many years he was the top ticket seller for the Marion Lions Fish Derby as well as serving as the emcee for many of the Lions Dinner shows. He held various offices in the American Legion and was involved in the establishment of the Marion Area Veterans Memorial, one of his proudest accomplishments. Ron was a member of St John's Lutheran Church in Marion having served as Church Treasurer for many years.

Ron is survived by Barbara, his wife of 53 years; a daughter, Wendy Cherry; sons, Kevin (Lori) & Marc (Taya) Much. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Brayden & Kalyn Much, Olivia Cherry and Henry Much. Further survived by brothers Randy and Ricky Much along with other family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Bernice Much and granddaughter Aurora.

Memorial services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion, with the Rev. Lois Graper officiating. Military honors will be conducted at the church by the Army National Guard Honors Detail and the William Bertram American Legion Post#198 of Marion.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service. 

Memorials given in Ron’s honor are preferred to be directed to the Much family for eventual donation to St. John's Lutheran Church Marion, the Marion Lion's Club, and the William Bertram American Legion Post# 198 of Marion, in accordance with his wishes.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Marion is assisting the Much family with the arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.