Obituary of Ronald Anderson

Ronald (Ron) E. Anderson of Fort Atkinson, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Meriter Hospital of Madison on Feb 3, 2022.  After besting all cancer could throw at him for 20 years, he lost the battle with Covid-19 in 20 days.  He would want you to know he was fully vaccinated, but as full of life, as he was, he was among the vulnerable. Ron would also wish you to know that when you can, you should opt for Medicare B coverage.

If you know Ron, you know he had a joy for life, love of a good shared meal, and above all fierce dedication to his family.  And if you were fair to him, or kind to those he cared about, you were also his family.

Ron worked hard his whole life, starting as a young child to help support his mother and his younger brother. He met the love of his life, Susan (Sue) Anderson (nee Krismanick) in the Chicago area when they were 19 years old and together they raised a family and built a business together (Anderson Machining Service, Inc. in Jefferson and Whitewater) that touched and supported many in the community over their 58 years together.

Ron is survived by his beloved bride Sue, daughter Julie Anderson, sons Erik (Corina) Anderson, Matthew-Drazy (Laetitia) Anderson, and Kyle (Shawyn) Anderson, brother Wayne, grandchildren Ian, Seadna, Serra, Declin, Esme, Severn, Luna, and his cherished dog Nice. He is preceded by his mother Audrey Anderson. He will be both missed and forever etched into the fabric of our being. We are all better for having known him. We’ll miss you dude, rest and know you were loved.

He brought a light and lightness to this world that will burn as bright and long as the stars above for the countless people who had the fortune of knowing him. Please celebrate his life. The best way to do that is to gather your family around and make a special meal.  “Cantonese ribs” is a recipe he sweet-talked from a chef at one of the favorite restaurants he and Sue frequented when they were first married that they made at special family get-togethers.  Secret sauce recipe: 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/3 cup bead molasses (blackstrap if you can’t find bead), 1/3 of a cup sugar, ½ cup of ketchup, and 1-2 beef bouillon cubes in enough water to dissolve.  These are baby back ribs (1-2 slabs), cut individually and cooked with salt and pepper for about 2 hours at 300 degrees.  Drain fat, coat with sauce, and cook 30 more minutes, flip, re-coat with sauce, and cook 30 more minutes or until falling from bone. Then raise a rib for Ron.  For the vegetarians among you, a dry martini will also work.  “To Ron, he took care of family.”

A small family ceremony is planned at Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson. Ron will be interred at St. Josephs Cemetery in Fort Atkinson. A memorial for the public is planned for spring or summer to allow safe distancing in respect of Ron's wishes. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) because nothing is more Ron than to continue to take care of the family he loved.  If you want to be alerted to the future celebration of Ron’s life, send that request to ron@sueron.com.