Brookfield, Wisconsin
Siepmann, Ron This hurts so much for you to be taken from us. For you are our source of unconditional love... laughter...wisdom...fortitude...integrity...generosity and grace. You gave to so many without ever asking anything in return. You have cared for us and have shaped each of us. You forged family and friendships that are now an extension of you when we need you most. A safety net of people and love that is beyond compare. It is now our security blanket and our guide to life. You showed us what a loving husband does. How to support and care for the love of your life, your children and your grandchildren. You showed us what a loving grandpa does. How to spoil your grandchildren and how to support them when they are in need. You showed us how to live life. Full of generosity and caring for those in need. Always there when we needed you. You gave us experiences around the world that made each of our lives one of a kind. You showed us what a solid work ethic looks like and made sure we all understood and lived it. You built businesses in real estate, restaurants and manufacturing that showed us and the world how to take the high road, to do things right. To care for the earth and for the people on it. You took loving, sincere interest in the people who worked to make you successful and made many successful in their own right. We are living surrounded by your work - the gifts you gave this world. You introduced us to laughter - how to make people laugh with limericks and jokes. How to laugh at ourselves. You showed us how to connect and how to care. "Is everyone having fun?" "Is everything perfect?" "Is everybody happy?" You showed us how to enjoy food and drink. Your legendary cooking was on display at every meal. Saturday morning pancakes were a tradition that kept everyone coming back for more. Your parties were full of libations and fun. You showed us how a camera can capture memories and add beauty to our lives. You brought music into our lives. You taught us how to get back on the horse, you inspired us to win one for the Gipper and strive for perfection. Most of all, you were you. We miss you. Ron is survived by Mary Peterson Siepmann, the love of his life for 56 years. Loving father of Karen (Giles Colahan) Siepmann, Jim (Sue) Siepmann, Martha (Jeff) Wilson, Paul (Sallie) Siepmann and John (Kristie) Siepmann. Grandfather "Bop Bop" to Sarah (Aaron) Wilke, Tyler Olson, Gavin Colahan, Elizabeth and Christopher Siepmann, Richard and George Wilson, Cooper, Sophie, Cole, Jack, Addie, Maggie and Ellie Siepmann. Brother of June (Dex) Bodenbach. Also lovingly remembered by nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Ronald Paul Siepmann was born in Iowa City, IA on May 19, 1932, and raised in Wauwatosa, WI. He attended St. Sebastian's Grade School, Marquette University High School (Class of 50), UW Madison where he was a Chi Phi (Class of 55) and then graduated from Reisch Auctioneering School. Ron was a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Ron was a nationally renowned land planner and a pioneer of conservation subdivision design. He was a founding member of the Waukesha County Land Conservancy. Ron was a past member of the Merton planning commission, the Swallow School Board, past president of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and Chenequa Country Club. He was a member of St. Anskar's Episcopal Church in Wisconsin and Good Shepard Episcopal Church in Cave Creek, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Waukesha County Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 2572 Brookfield, WI 53008; or the Medical College of Wisconsin Research Center in support of prostate or lung cancer, P.O. Box 26509, Milwaukee, WI 53226. Visitation Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Becker Ritter Funeral Home, 14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005, from 4PM-7PM. Visitation Friday, May 20, 2011, at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center For The Arts located on Mitchell Drive, in Mitchell Park, Brookfield, WI. (at 19805 W. Capitol Drive, turn South on Mitchell Drive). The visitation will start at 1:30PM until the time of services at 3PM. A reception will follow at the Wilson Center. A private family service will be held at St. Anskar's Episcopal Church, Chenequa.
On behalf of all of us at Good Shepherd of the Hills church in Cave Creek, Arizona, please know that you are all in our prayers. Arizona was Ron and Mary's adopted, winter home, and we here were all the better for having known them. His legacy lives on in our hearts.
Peter Strupp
May 23, 2011
Dear Karen and Siepmann Family,
I'm so sorry...There are always a few who do so much. What a difference this one man with his loving wife accomplished. I'm now far removed from all of you, yet I have a mental list of what I remember about Ron Siepmann ...wow.
Holly Krevitz
May 21, 2011 | Wilmette, IL
There are no words that can express our sorrow that we felt when we heard about Ron's death. He was a wonderful friend, classmate and neighbor. We'd like to express our sympathy and that of all his classmates from St. Sebastian's. Mary, both you and Ron, who so graciously hosted our last 2 St. Sebastian Class of 1946 reunions, will always be remembered and remain in our prayers. We pray that God will guide you and heal you during these difficult times.
Mary Anne and Jim Doyle and Family
May 21, 2011
To the Siepmann Family-
It was just last fall that I saw Mary and Ron outside of Costco in Scottsdale, AZ. It was as if we were outside the Piggly Wiggly in Hartland and caught up for a brief moment, as neighbors do in passing.
I will forever cherish the childhood fun memories playing on Beaver Lake. I pray that your family finds peace through all of this and treasures all the wonderful memories Ron has left behind.
Julie Schaefer Bridwell
May 20, 2011 | Scottsdale, AZ
My sincere sympathy to the entire Siepmann family. I had the pleasure of working for Ron, and with his son Jim, during the summer break of my College Years. He was a real class act. Ron taught me a lot about work ethics, honesty, integrity, and most of all, how to get along with my peers and learn from my mistakes. My mother also worked for Ron as an interior decorator for many years, and she respected him just as much as I do. RIP Ron my friend.
Dan Fullerton
May 20, 2011 | Atlanta, GA
Dear Siepmann Family, Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers during this time of great loss. Ron's life has been a beautiful example love, integrity and generosity that we can all look to with gratitude as we honor him. We pray that you feel the loving presence of God who is with us in all things and the loving support of friends who share your grief.
Jeff & Clare Peiffer
May 20, 2011 | Waukesha, WI
To the Siepmann Family
Although we never had the pleasure of meeting Ron, we know that he instilled non-wavering qualities of honesty and integrity in his children. We know this by the actions we have experienced in knowing and working with his son. There is no other better legacy a man can have, then passing these traits on to succeeding generations. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all in this time of loss.
Tom Smith
May 20, 2011 | Port Orchard, WA
Dear Siepmann family, we are sorry for this change in your family circle. We know of your loving family through our granddaughter,Megan Schmidt. Our deepest sympathy.
Bud & Mavis Hicks, Rhinelander, WI.
May 20, 2011
Dear Siepmann family, it is with our sincerest condolences during your time of loss and Heaven's gain. We are with you in thoughts and prayers. Reid, Diane & Matthew Brueser
May 19, 2011
