Ronald Theodore Kurpius

1942 - 2019

Ronald Theodore Kurpius
Born: April 27, 1942
Died: December 7, 2019
Ronald Theodore Kurpius, 77, of Tubac, Arizona since 2006, passed away at Banner Hospital, Tucson, on December 7, 2019. He was born April 27, 1942 in Elkhorn, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth (Kappes) Kurpius and former wife, Ruth (Campbell) Kurpius. Ron is survived by three sons, Patrick (Elizabeth), Michael and Tim; five grandchildren, Brian, Christopher, Ashley, Danielle, and Emma; seven brothers and sisters; as well as his devoted partner and love of 16 years, Sharon Pierce.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army, and went on to earn a B.S. in Agricultural Science from Southern Illinois University, as well as two Master's Degrees, one in Food Science and one in Business Administration, Food Marketing Management, both from Michigan State University.
His career focused on new product development, first at Armour Foods and Ralston Purina, and later at the Kitchens of Sara Lee as Director of Business Development, where he pioneered the development of the first low fat desserts in the food industry.
He was a very creative man of many talents including gourmet cook, enthusiastic piano student, and master woodworker; happiest in his workshop doing antique restoration and custom furniture design. His indomitable fighting spirit overcame many life threatening health challenges, and his inner spiritual light and love of life will serve as an inspiration to all who knew him or were touched by him along the way. We will miss his strength, knowledge, and resiliency.
A very special tribute and Attitude of Gratitude also go to the members of the Fellowship who were the cornerstone of his life for over thirty years.
The funeral and burial were delayed because of COVID. A belated funeral mass and burial will be held for Ron at St. Catherine's Church in Genoa, Il at 11:00 am , Saturday, March 25th.