Ronald E.

Johnson

Ronald (Ron) E. Johnson, age 92, of Oshkosh, passed on to eternal life Friday, November 6, 2026 at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh.

Ron was born September 7, 1934 in Amherst, WI to Edwin P. and Lauretta R. Johnson. Ron grew up and went to school in Winneconne along with his siblings Richard, Duane, Mary Jane and Darlene. As the middle of five children, he was known as the peacemaker. During his 45-year career, Ron worked as a general laborer in a variety of industries including farming, wood product manufacturing and precast concrete. Ron spent 25 plus years at Precast Concrete Specialties, Inc (PCS) in Omro, WI where he served in many capacities including mix master, pouring lead and crane operator before retiring in 1995. Ron thoroughly enjoyed taking his family to cities across the Midwest to show them the many buildings, shopping malls, office buildings, college campuses and high-rises he helped create through his work at PCS.

Ron married Marilyn E. Daggett on June 30, 1962 in Waukau, WI. They resided briefly in Winneconne before moving to Omro where they raised their family and enjoyed retirement together until her death in 2011.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings Richard, Duane, and Darlene. He is survived by one sister Mary Jane, daughter Cindy (Tom) DeFord of Oshkosh, son William (Connie) Johnson of Windsor and daughter Elizabeth Brooks of Rhinelander; six grandchildren: Becky (Chris) Erdman, Christopher DeFord, Mitchell (Julia) Johnson, Hanna (Anna) Johnson, Sarah (Max) Brown and Benjamin Brooks; five great-grandchildren: Christian, Nolan and Lincoln Erdman, Ethan Brown and Callum Johnson.

Ron grew up with so little yet provided his immediate and extended family lives of vast opportunities. He set a quiet, consistent example by doing for others before himself. Ron possessed both a quick wit and keen sense of mischief, never taking anything too seriously. His nature included random fireworks to liven up an afternoon, feeding squirrels by hand in the garage, teaching his siblings, kids and grandkids to drive with barely a word of correction and years of taking meals to family and friends who couldn’t get out themselves. Like his father, Ron was a self-taught woodworker and master tinker. Perhaps his favorite and most enduring creations are the hand cast, elaborate outdoor water fountains that he gave away to family. He will be greatly missed but his lifelong example of selflessness is a legacy we will treasure.

A private graveside service and burial will take place at Rushford Cemetery.