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Ronald Veternick Obituary
SHERRILLS FORD -- Mr. Veternick passed away on January 23, 2010, under hospice care of pancreatic cancer. Born on April 15, 1948 to John and Valeria Veternick, Ron was a native of Wisconsin where he has many friends and family. Ron is survived by his father John Veternick. His mother passed away November 15, 1993. Ron is survived by his wife Elizabeth of 25 years. He was the much-loved father of daughter Brigette Veternick Breitenbach (Joe) and son Sean Veternick. He is also survived by his brother Robin (Brenda) Veternick; his sister Laurie Veternick Kaczmarek (Jim); his four grandchildren Tyler, Bennet, Riley and Gabrielle; and many nieces and nephews. Ron spent his 40-plus year career in the brewing business where he was looked upon as a trusted expert by colleagues, trade media and industry leaders alike. Always a friend of the worker, he started at Schlitz, went on to work at Stroh Brewing and then Coors. He retired from Cunningham Wholesale of Charlotte where he served as GM from 1997 to 2008. Ron was a native of Milwaukee but considered himself a North Carolinean and was a longtime supporter of the Carolina Panthers, unless they were playing the Green Bay Packers. He loved living on Lake Norman and enjoyed boating, swimming and the company of friends drinking on the deck.
Special thanks to hospice nurse Jane Shelton, CNA Barbara Pintinio and all of the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, the extended Wilson family, Amalie and Dan McClanahan and dear friends Jerry and Kitty McMillian who were there every step of the way. Per Ron's request, there will be a gathering of local friends and family to commemorate him on Sunday, January 31 from 3-6 p.m. at The Wine Loft, located at 130 Argus Lane in the Village at Byers Creek in Mooresville. There will be a private family celebration in Milwaukee in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625. Cavin Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Veternick
Jerry McMillian
April 17, 2010
Ron, Today is your birthday. We should be down at the Open Kitchen having some lunch and a few beers. I miss you buddy. When I finish this I’ll have one in your honor. There were so many segments of our relationship, each one leaves me with some great memories. You were my boss for a while, and a damn good one, I might add. I will always remember each time we would disagree on an issue. I knew the conversation was over when I’d hear you say, “now damn it McMillian”. Then you changed jobs and became one of my clients. Again, there were times when we didn’t agree. Because of our jobs and our commitment to excellence we had lots of tough conversations. As tough as they were, they were never personal. We always managed to walk away after finding a common ground, with total respect and admiration for each other’s opinion. After we retired we became really good friends. I miss those phone conversations. We could resolve all the world issues. Politics was a definite highlight for us, and we had lots of good advice each week for all the American Idol contestants. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to share a part of your life. I know you are proud of Liz. She is a strong lady. Ron, it is comforting to know a couple of things. I know you left knowing that you were one of my best friends, and I also know you had me high on your list of good friends. We will still talk from time to time. I’ll keep you posted on how the President and the Congress are doing. Save a good seat up there for me. I know you are in the VIP section. I’ll see you some day.
Jerry McMillian
Angela (JILL) Marchetti
March 28, 2010
I just heard about Ron Veternick's SWAN SONG.......I only knew Ron from my older sister, Jackie, who probably went everywhere this BAND played...... But I DO remember HIM.....An Impression was made on me even though I was only about 13 years old....Music has always played a GREAT part in my LIFE....maybe simply because of my roots and simply because of the excitement I felt when listening to the stories my sister Jackie would tell me about the band (precious times)....
Love to all of you......
Angela (JILL) Marchetti
Jim Wanek
February 14, 2010
I just returned home from a Mexican vacation to find a message on my machine from Bob Kosmoski that Ron had passed away. Right away my mind went thru many stages of emotion from being sad to the joy of fond memories.
Right after the emotion calmed down, I kicked myself in the butt for letting so many years go by without talking to Ron. We were good friends in High School, maintained that friedship for a few years, and then drifted apart. Ron was a true friend in those years, an upbeat happy person that lit up any room he walked into - and I'm sure he was that way his whole life.
While in Mexico with my wife Margie and friends last week, I told this group a story about a friend I had in High School--Ron Veternick!!! I hadn't seen him since the mid-seventies and something popped into my mind about our friendship. He had a way of leaving a lasting impression on people.
Our thoughts and prayers to Ron's friends and family.
Jim And Margie Wanek
February 5, 2010
Sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I first met Ron from mutual high school friends, Bob Kosmoski and Jim Wanek. We went to Don Bosco and Ron would get on the bus in Cudahy, so we could go to different high schools together. After high school and living in the Milwaukee area, we would bump into Ron at unsuspecting places, such as Grant Park, Mitchell Field west side runway observation lot and other places, and the joke between my wife and I over the last 40 years would be that I would come home and say, "guess who I ran into today", and she would always say "Ron Veternick", as that was the first person we always thought of, since we had run into him so many times in past years. We are attaching a picture of fond memories from 1967.
Condolences to the family.
Bugsy and Candice Radtke/Atlanta
Elliot Canfield
February 4, 2010
To Liz and Ron,
I am very touched to have had Ron be a part of my life. Some of my fondest memories are between coming to visit you in Kansas City, yeah, way back then. I was only a tike. The rest of the memories include Nueski's bacon. Thanks to Ron (very indirectly) even my college roommates still call me Nueski, and every time I can picture Ron getting that silly grin on his face as he teases me about loading my plate up with Bacon at the hotel continental breakfast.
I love you Liz and Ron,
Lorna Loughran
February 3, 2010
John
Sorry to hear about your loss
You talked so highly about you son, I wish I could have met him
I will keep you in my prayers
Jim Kilcoyne
February 3, 2010
Liz and family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Ron when he worked for Coors in the Mid-Atlantic Division. I feel privileged to have counted him as a friend . He was a gentleman in every sense of the word . The world has indeed lost someone very special. All of us at Inco Beverage held him in the greatest affection and respect . He was a winner . May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead . I will never forget his kindness .
February 2, 2010
Ron,
Thank you for being a part of our family for almost twenty-six years. Thank you for loving my sister Liz and taking such good care of her. You left us much too soon and we will miss you.
Love, Maureen and Art Dollase
Venturas, Cathedral Square, Milwaukee
Bob Kosmoski
January 30, 2010
For those of you unfamiliar with Ron as the lead singer in a R&R band please allow me to transgress to the early 1960's. We were the Venturas. Together for all of our high school years,we played not only the Milw. area but around the state. UW Plattville and UW Madison were 2 of our favorites. The frat brothers at the time didn't seem to mind that we were only 16 or 17 years old, we indulged freely with them in the beverage that had made Milwaukee famous! It does not surprise me that Ron became an expert at Malt beverages.Carl Biancuzzo our drummer had blue FORD Fairlane with a white rag-top and we pulled a pastel purple box trailer with THE VENTURAS on the side of it. We opened for Bands such as "The Lovin Spoonful" Do you believe in Magic, Younger Girl, "The Vouges" your the one that I long to Kiss Baby your the one that I Love. I can still see that 15x15 smoke filled dressing Room with John Sebastion from the spoonful, that show was at Devines Million Dollar Ballroom. Ron had a super smoothe voice, yet he could do James Brown! Needless to say it was a fun,fun Band. Shortly after H.S. Ron bought a Fiat Spider tiny red sports car black rag top. 2wks later he rolled it a couple of times. Unscathed and undaunted he was as cool as usual, and as I am finding out from many of your letters He continued after the Gusto as philosophy of Life. God Bless His Wife and Family. Bob Kosmoski Lead guitar The Venturas
January 29, 2010
Deepest sympathy on the loss of a wonderful and kind human being. His quick wit and great sense of humor will be missed.
Good-bye Ron, it was a pleasure.
Tom McCormick
January 29, 2010
Ron was the coolest guy in our high school class of 1966. I wanted his hair, his voice and his moves. At our 25th reunion I told him he had been my hero senior year. His response, "Maybe you should have set your sights a little higher." I think I made a good choice. I'll miss you Ron. Our 50th reunion in 2016 won't be the same without you.
Kathie "Janicek" Evingson
January 28, 2010
Dear Liz and Brigette,
I have been a friend of Laurie's since our days at Lincoln School. You lived across the street from school and occasionally I would visit with Laurie. She always had wonderful stories about Ron (Corky)and his family.
I hope your memories will bring you comfort at this time.
Cindy Lesky
January 27, 2010
Brigette, I did not know your father but they say the apple does not fall far from the tree. If this is true I'd say he was a wonderful man.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Cindy and David Lesky
January 27, 2010
To Ron and Liz
May I first offer my deepest sympathy to you Liz and all of Ron's family and friends at this time.
It was my pleasure to know and call Ron a brother-in-law. I believe that Ron's wit and charm has left an indelible impression on many people, and he will be remembered for the kind person he was.
I will always remember the Wilson family gathering in North Carolina, and all the laughs we had about Keith's experinces in life, that was the true meaning of being a family and sharing fun times.
Liz, you know you are surrounded by a great mom, sisters, brother, brother-in-laws, and other family members, and I believe we are all here to support and comfort you now and as life's journey continues. God Bless.
Love,
Brother-in-law Bill Rust
January 27, 2010
Brigette,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please know that you, your kids and mother are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be thinking of you all.
Ann Balistreri
Jenna Leskela
January 27, 2010
My heart is with you and yours, Brigette. Truly sorry for your loss. Much love.
Tim Sullivan
January 26, 2010
I first met Ron when and he and I were colleagues at Coors, working together in the Mid Atlantic Division office. It’s also a coincidence that we both spent time at Stroh/Schlitz. The last time I spoke with him was few years ago when he was at Cunningham and he shared with me his pals to retire.
Ron had a great sense of humor and was great guy to work with. He will be missed. My condolences to the family; I am so sorry for your loss.
Sully
January 26, 2010
Dear Liz:
I am so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of you and Ron from growing up in Kansas. I know Ron would want me to celebrate his life and so I will. Please take care, my thoughts are with you.
Jason Beahm
January 25, 2010
I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful brother-in-law. From the day I met him, Ron made me feel that I belonged in his family. Robin and I enjoyed many fun times with Ron and Liz...New Orleans, Summerfest, nights at the Pfister, 4th of July on Sugar Island, Trivial Pursuit games when the "Evil Liz" would appear, Panther/Packer games complete with slashed tires, way too much Tequila Rose... The world has truly lost a piece of sunshine. You will be in my heart forever. See you in the next life Brother. Much love, Brenda Veternick
January 25, 2010
Ron,You were a wonderful brother-in-law. Thank you to Schiltz for bringing you and Liz together. I will never forget the sound of your great voice.(Now I find out you sang in a band). Figures. Kathy
P.S. Join the choir!!
Brad Leatherman
January 25, 2010
My heart and prayers are out to Ron's family. I had the pleasure to have met Ron while I was with The Gambrinus Company (Corona Importer). He was a great guy no matter what. He was a great man to learn from in the beer business. You will be missed.
Bobby & Kim Dee
January 25, 2010
Our hearts and souls are saddened but the memories bring so much happiness and laughter to our hearts. Bobby and I have been there with you on this journey but we feel the need to write on here for others to read and know what a caring, loving and fun man Ron was. New Orleans (both trips) - thats all I need to say. Charleston, snow, and Me, Myself and Irene drinking game! Brady will grow up knowing the kind of person Ron was and cherish him in his heart as well. Ron was one of the first to visit Brady in the NICU and we will forever cherish the kindness he showed during such a scary time for us.
Liz, we love you and will always be here for you.
Ron, you will forever be our friend who we will think of every day and the memories you left behind and we look forward to the day when we see you again!
Love always
Bobby, Kim (Kimster) and Brady
January 25, 2010
Peace be with you Ron. I will always remember your friendship in the early days at St. Fred's and later on at St. John Cathedral.
My deepest sympathy to Ron's family.
God Bless.
Christine(Van Eimeren)Koerner
Mequon, WI
Fred Wilson
January 25, 2010
My sympathies to Ron's immediate family. He was a funny, smart, intelligent guy who was fun to be with, I always enjoyed being in his company. I also got a kick out of the location he chose for the gathering in North Carolina, wish I could be there. He is gone to soon and I will miss him. Good Bye, Ron.
PIerre McCormick
January 25, 2010
Liz,
We lost touch but just heard about Ron's death. I always admired his approach to life. I met him at Stroh's and we also met while you were in Wausau.
Thinking about you today and in my prayers.
Pierre McCormick
Dave Bavlnka
January 25, 2010
Liz- although it has been quite sometime (from the rugby days in Milwaukee) since we've seen you and Ron, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. From the days in Milwaukee at Schlitz and later, Ron was truly one of the good guys in the industry. May God bless you and your family.
Helen and Tim Canfield
January 25, 2010
Ron was the coolest brother-in-law - (no offense other brother in laws). We really loved it when Liz and Ron were transferred to Wausau for a brief time and we got to spend time with them on McIndoe Street. His passing leaves an empty place in our family. Our love to my sister Liz and the rest of Ron's family.
January 25, 2010
Brigette, Laurie and Jim, sorry to hear about your loss, my families thoughts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless,
The Chuck Wichgers family
Byron Yahnis
January 25, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Veternick family. I met Ron when he moved to Charlotte in his new role as Division Manager for Coors.Early in my career Ron would come down to Florence/Myrtle Beach to hold meetings at the distributorship. Being a Schlitz/Coors guy he knew how to do it right. I learned much from Ron about the beer business. It was an honor to work with such a "True Gentleman" who was a great beer man. I enjoyed seeing Ron over the years at distributor meetings. I will miss Ron.
Byron C. Yahnis
Gerry Sigmon
January 25, 2010
I first met Ron when he was working in the distribution department of the Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Besides his natural great sense of humor, he had a calming, but intense demeanor. 20 years later Ron and I shared a Division office for Coors. The business had changed, but Ron remained the smart good humored hard working guy I had met earlier. I will also view his friendship, and his ability to mentor all the younger folks we worked with as a precious gift. Although time has again separated us, I will always treasure having known Ron.
Victoria and Michael (Wilson) Swanson
January 24, 2010
Our hearts go out to the whole Veternick family. Ron was adored by the Wilson family the minute Liz brought him home. We were happy and proud to call him our own for the past 25 years. He had a way of making people feel very special. Our hearts break today, especially for Liz and the rest of Ron's immediate family. Ron, we are glad you are part of our lives and we will truly miss you like crazy.
George Busateri
January 24, 2010
Back in the 60's, Ron and I were in a local rock band called "The Venturas." We attended and graduated from St. John Cathedral High School in Milwaukee.
Ron was my best friend during those years. Great guy! He was a very talented singer, too. I went on to enjoy a career in the music business. I think Ron should have, too. Definitely had the chops!
I will deeply miss Corky.
My sincere condolences to my God-daughter Brigette and all of Ron's family.
George & Catherine Busateri
Lynn Gray
January 24, 2010
Our deepest condolences to Liz and Ron's immediate family. We will miss Ron's easy laugh and great sense of humor. The fond memories are too many to list, but the limo tour of the wineries in California, and 4th of July get togethers spent with family at our house are among the most cherished.
We will miss you Ron.
Dick and Lynn Gray
Dick Gray
January 24, 2010
Our deepest condolences to Liz and Ron's immediate family. We will miss Ron's easy laugh and great sense of humor. The fond memories are too many to list, but the limo tour of the wineries in California, and 4th of July get togethers spent with family at our house are among the most cherished.
We will miss you Ron.
Dick and Lynn Gray
January 24, 2010
Brigette, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear dad. We sympathize with your great loss. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.
Karen and Dave Brzakala [Leesburg, Florida]
Phil Swartzlander
January 24, 2010
I am sad to hear about Ron's passing. I worked with Ron during his days at Coors. I will not forget the times, personal or professional, I spent with Ron. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Daun Korkow
January 24, 2010
Goodbye, Ron. It was a good ride.
Bonnie Korkow
January 24, 2010
The last time I visited with Ron was in September. I remember sitting on the patio with him and telling him I hoped it would rain. Rain cleans the world, and makes it fresh again. Living in Las Vegas, we get rain a couple times a year. Ron thought that it was strange that it never rains in Vegas. It rained for four days straight the week Ron was admitted to the hospice faculty; and I knew in my heart Ron had sent me rain. From now on, when I feel and smell the rain I’ll think of the best brother-in-law a Sister-in-law could ask for. We will all miss Ron. He touched so many of our lives.
Joseph McGaver
January 24, 2010
With sincere condolences to his family, I am sorry to learn of the passing of Ron. I had not seen Ron (We called him "Corky.") since our freshmen year, first semester at University of Wisconsin-MIlwaukee. I went on to finish at Marquette and Ron went on to work at Schlitz. Ron was always a fun guy to be around. I went to grade school with Ron at Saint Frederick Catholic school in Cudahy, Wisconsin. We were in boy scouts, grade school athletic teams and just hung out. When it came time for high school, Ron went to Milwaukee Cathedral and I went to Marquette High. For a few years, we rode the bus to downtown Milwaukee where we parted to go to our respective schools. I always saw Ron at CYO dances or sporting events. I lost track of Ron when he moved to Strohs in the Detroit area. I had always wondered how he was doing. I know now he is in God's hands.
Chuck Jaeger
January 24, 2010
I was saddened to hear of Ron's passing. In the 1960's I was a member of the rock group "The Venturas" that Ron sang in. He was a great guy, with a great voice and although I haven't seen him in many years I remember him fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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