Name: Visitation for Ronald Dean "Ron" Hart
Start: 2025-07-12T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-07-12T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory

Ronald Dean "Ron" Hart

May 12, 1944 - June 25, 2025

Ronald Dean Hart "Ron," 81, passed away on June 25, 2025, at Christmas Mountain Golf Course in Wisconsin Dells, doing what he loved.

Ron was born on May 12, 1944, in Black River Falls, Wis., to Bernard and Agnes (née Hoffman) Hart. He attended elementary school in Alma Center and graduated from Alma Center Lincoln High School in 1962. At Alma Center HS, he played football, baseball, track, volleyball, and basketball. In 1961 and 1962 Ron was all-conference in both baseball and basketball. Ron married Patricia Ann Gilbertson in 1964, divorced 1971. Ron married Deb Briwick in Las Vegas, 1992. Ron worked for Racine Steel Castings for six years, serving on the Local 553 executive committee and serving as Chief Steward. He was the General Manager at Land Reclamation LTD from 1970 until retiring in 1994. Ron was proudly elected Alderman of the 14th district of the City of Racine in 1992 and served his district for 24 years. He served as City Council President from 2000-2002. He was a member of, or chaired multiple committees, most proudly serving on the finance committee and president of the Water and Wastewater commission. In 1995, Ron started working at Ives Grove golf course as their head greens keeper. He took that role very seriously and was checking his crew's work just days before he passed. Ron played for the Racine Raiders from 1963 to 1975 and was voted "all league" nine times. He wore jersey number 75, which the Raiders retired in 1986. Ron was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame in 1993, Minor League Football Association in 1995. He was inducted into the American Football League Association as an official in 2007. He was recruited by and tried out for the New York Jets in 1969. Ron started officiating football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and swimming in 1970, retiring in 2022, after 50+ years. He also officiated Racine Raider games as crew chief from 1988 to 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Deb; sons: Randy (Chris) and Patrick (Tammy); brothers: Ray (Peggy) and Jerome (Sheila); sisters: Bernice (Larry), Barb (Dave), and Diane (Tony). Ron was the Best Ever Grandpa to Mitch (Ellie), Madison (Logan), Dakota (Julie), and Zachary (Nitzy); and the best great Papa to Logan, Sophia, David, Belle, and Luna. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and many dear friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Julie (Jason); brothers: Bob (Susie) and Gilbert (Annette), and sister, Arlene.

Services celebrating Ron's life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 6 p.m. Visitation will be in the funeral home, on Saturday, from 3 to 6 p.m., with a time of sharing memories of Ron at 5:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family who will have a park bench placed at Ives Grove Golf Course in Ron's memory.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

4600 COUNTY LINE ROAD

262-552-9000

www.draeger-langendorf.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Racine Journal Times on Jul. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Hart

7 Entries

Lawrence Benjami

July 11, 2025

I played and coached with Ron in football, softball, ice softball, basketball, golf, and I cut greens with him. He was a great guy to be around and a great friend. I will miss Ron.
Benjie

Jan Kiesler

July 9, 2025

I´ve known Ron and Deb over 35 years. I met them thru the Racine Raiders. When my husband, Joe, started in 1961 with the Raiders he played offense, Ron defense. The first through the practices Ron and Joe were opposite to each other. After a few practices of beating each other up, they made a deal. Not to disable or kill each other. Deb, with Dylan by her side, and I sold 50/50 tickets for years. I think we might still hold records for the most tickets sold. My heart goes out to Deb, Dylan and the rest of the family. He was a very special man.

Warren Greco

July 9, 2025

Sorry to hear about the passing of Ron. I knew Ron as a line coach of the Racine Raiders. He was the best defense of tackle that I ever coached. All the honors and awards were well deserved. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

Chris dorf

July 7, 2025

Before refrigerator Perry ran for a touchdown with the bears Ron did it with the Raiders

Laurie Bertzyk

July 6, 2025

I worked with Ron when he was employed at Land Reclamation. He was always a happy guy with a great smile Ron and Debbie also played Santa and Mrs Claus at our Christmas party :) My thoughts and prayers to the Hart family. I know he will be missed

Randy Brown

July 6, 2025

I met and new Ron through 16" softball. We played together for a few years. We won some leagues and even won the 16" Old Timers tournament once, I believe it was in 1981. Always thought highly of Ron. Please accept my condolences.

Dick Meteyard

July 6, 2025

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I will miss Ron immensely.
With love Dick Meteyard

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