Ronald "BeBop" Lietz

1936 - 2016

Lietz, Ronald "BeBop"

Ronald A. "BeBop" Lietz, 79, Mosinee, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, of GI complications, at Aspirus Hospice House-Wausau.

He was born Feb. 13, 1936, in Mosinee, the son of the late Martin and Alfreda (Reid) Lietz. He married Ruthanne Plaza on Sept. 22, 1962, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, Rothschild. She survives.

He was an Army Medic who served in the 25th medical batallion for 3 years stationed at the Schofield barracks in Hawaii. He provided medical care for many people there. He achieved the rank of Specialist 3rd Class and held medals for sharp shooting and good conduct. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

He returned home to work for Mosinee Paper Corporation for 43 years and did not call in sick a single day during that time. He worked as a #2 paper machine tendor for the last 20 years of employment. He took great pride in being able to make many types of paper "by hand" using his knowledge and experience for the best results. His work first mentality allowed him to have more fun when the work was finished.

He had a passion for polka music, fitness, playing softball, and many other sports. Someone gave him the nickname "Bebop" after watching him "beboping around" the dance floor. Bebop loved taking his wife on trips all over North America and the Carribean with Eddie Blazonczyk and the Versatones, their favorite polka band who were also wonderful friends. They met many great people along the way and he cherished many of those friendships. He was fond of weightlifting and workouts done mostly with free weights and machines at home. He rode his bike on a 20 mile loop 3-5 days/week until age 77 when he became ill. He was often spotted on his many trips through town and throughout the countryside.

Family was very important to him. He was excited to play catch with his two children for hours on end in the backyard. He enjoyed watching them grow up and play ball, and seeing them succeed. He looked forward to spending time with his grandson and he was proud to be called, "Grandpa Bebop". He was a fan of; Badger football and basketball, the Minnesota Vikings, Major League Baseball, and Nascar. He was pleased to spend time watching those with family. Other hobbies included; crossword puzzles, random trivia, and bird watching.

Bebop appreciated classic cars and talking about "the Good Ole Days". He was very fond of Point Beer. He reveled in sharing a cold one with people he loved. He loved telling stories and making people laugh through jokes and one-liners. His fun-loving spirit was infectious and it put people at ease. He was kind hearted and always put others before himself. He was proud to have his two cats and his "red-headed nurse" Turbo and Gizmo. He attended mass regularly and even when his was sick. His warm smile, loving, generous, and happy go lucky personality will live on with all those that knew and loved him.

Survivors, besides his wife, Ruth, include a son, Greg (fiancée Karen Rowell) Lietz, Menomonee Falls; a daughter, Julianne (Bill) Kolb, Wausau; and a grandson, Sawyer Kolb. He was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Heidt, and three brothers, Robert, Norman and Alfred.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. The Rev. Donald Przybylski will officiate. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Mosinee. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Thursday until time of services at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in BeBop's name may be directed to St. Paul Catholic Church Building Fund.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all his caregivers at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Hospice House, and Mayo Clinic.