Ronald (Ronnie) Check, 81

Ronald (Ronnie) Check, age 81 of Stevens Point, passed away unexpectedly Sunday afternoon at his home.

He suffered a stroke on February 4, 2024 and was making great strides with physical and speech therapies. He is now at peace and free to fly with the angels. 

Ronnie was born January 24, 1943 in Milwaukee to Clarence and Lorraine Check. 

Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Custer, Wis. where he attended Bruske School, a one-room schoolhouse from 1949-1957. Ron graduated in 1960 from P.J. Jacobs High School.

Ronnie entered the United States Army on June 14, 1960. He served as a Pvt. E1 with the A Company, 249th Engineer Battalion as a construction machine operator. Upon his release from overseas on May 25, 1963 at Fort Hamilton, NY, he transferred to the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged on June 13, 1966. Ron received the Sharpshooters (Rifle M-14) Badge and the Good Conduct Medal.

His marriage to Diana (Lady Di) Kotolski took place on May 30, 1964, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. After their marriage, the couple settled in Stevens Point.

Ronnie owned and operated Checks Muffler Center on Main Street for 25 years until his retirement. He was a trusted and well-respected businessman. 

His love for cars and turning wrenches led him to a part time job as the mechanic for the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and Stevens Point Police Department. Ronnie’s strong work ethic and desire to remain busy led him to his final full-time job with the Stevens Point Parks Department, including K.B. Willett Ice Arena, where his grandchildren loved to see him driving the zamboni.

Ronnie had an interest in music as a young boy and played drums in The Check Trio. He enjoyed listening to his Sunday polkas and volunteered at the Portage County Home by playing drums with his band, The Polka Dots. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 6.

In his free time, Ron enjoyed fishing, catching many trophies that are mounted at home in the sunroom. He loved golfing and was fortunate to not only have one hole in one (Indianhead in Mosinee) during his career, but three; the second at the Wisconsin River Country Club, and a third while vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Ronnie loved watching his favorite birds and keeping their feeders full, while also maintaining his yard. His love for his wife and family was evident as he was always there for the special moments, traveling to watch his grandchildren participate in various sports and always going out for a lick lick (ice cream). He enjoyed many family vacations and always made sure that donuts were available at breakfast.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Diana, daughters Denise (David) Van Loon of Rhinelander and Penny Warren of St. Louis, MO (former spouse Chris Warren); four grandchildren, Bryce and Kimberly Bilogan, Courtney, and Natalie Warren. Sisters Madeline Kovalski (Don Young), Carol (Fred) Zinda, and Linda (Mike) Zynda. Brother Connie (Sandra) Check. Sisters and brothers-in-law Phyllis Ziaya, Jim (Carla) Kotolski, Karen (Steve) Wilson, Mark (Cathy) Kotolski, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence and mother, Lorraine Check; sister Audrey Balnis; brother, Gary Check; father and mother-in-law, John and Esther Kotolski, stepfather, Danny Kosobucki, sister-in-law Barbara Hoffman and brother-in-law Vince Kotolski. He also dearly missed his four-legged furry friend, Bengee.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ronnie will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at St. Bronislava Catholic Church, 3200 Plover Rd., Plover, with full Military Honors after mass.

Burial will be held at Guardian Angel Cemetery. Visitation is at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Aspirus Hospital in Stevens Point, UW-Madison Hospital – Madison, Inpatient Rehabilitation Aspirus Health Care – Wausau and Compassus Home Health for their care and compassion of Ronnie during his illness the last 10 weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ronnie’s name to the Veterans Assistance program through Portage County, the Portage County Humane Society or the Portage County Suicide Prevention Coalition.  Also, in his memory, feel free to wear Ronnie’s favorite color yellow.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.