Robert J. Ronchi

"Rapid Robert (Bob)" James Ronchi, 87, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025 at his home in South Range, WI after a brief illness of Sepsis. He was the first-born son of John and Clara (Balcer) Ronchi on June 21, 1938 in Duluth, MN. Bob lived his whole life in Wentworth, WI, now referred to as South Range, WI. He was a committed, lifelong member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Lake Nebagamon, WI, which he helped design and oversee being built in June 2021.

Bob had to leave Northwestern high school in the 10th grade to run the family sawmill business after his father incurred a hand injury. He later worked as a carpenter for Builder's Supply in Superior, WI, and married Sandra (Sandy) Lee Anderson on August 8, 1958 at St. Francis Church in Superior, WI. They had 3 children together and celebrated 33 years of marriage until her passing in 1991. Bob worked as a self-employed contractor, and over the course of 30 years, built nearly 200 homes. In 1994 Bob married Cloie Britt and together they took on the endeavor of remodeling and bringing back to life the bar and restaurant in Amnicon, which they named Rapid's Riverside. Bob also had a great love for "hunting, fishing, trapping and golfing". He enjoyed many years living out these hobbies with family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling tournaments, coaching, sponsoring sport teams and going to his children's sporting events. Many weekends throughout the summer, Bob and his family would camp at the Twin Bear campground in Iron River, WI for endless fishing and fun. This later led to purchasing a tri-plex log cabin nearby on Millicent Lake with two other families, that are dear friends of Bob & Sandy's family. Bob helped design and build 3 different hunting shacks in his lifetime. He also grew grapes and made superb wine from a grapevine propagation that came from his Grandfather Antonio's homestead in Contrada Ronchi, Italy. Bob was able to meet his Italian family with his late wife Cloie, his son, Bill & family and most of his siblings in 1998. Bob also owned Condos in both Hawaii & Florida where he enjoyed 20 years of traveling and golfing during the cold months of winter. Bob always said he felt very thankful to have had such a wonderful life and encouraged his children to do the same, saying life is short! Bob was a compassionate and free-spirited man who was the best storyteller EVER!

Left to treasure Bob's memory are his loving partner Marlene Rhodes, three children, Bill Ronchi, Dinah (Rick) Johnson, and Julie (John) VanGuilder. Grandchildren, Grant (Karli) Ronchi, Rita Ronchi, Alix (Rich) Pender, Rian Johnson, Tailor (Marzett) Turner, Brandy (Quinn deceased) Musch, Josh VanGuilder and Sophia Schweiger. Fourteen Great-Grandchildren, Jack & Rhiannon Ronchi. Skye, Beaux, Rhett & Klay Pender, Zariah & Zerrick Johnson, Aylinn, Tayvenn & Jaydenn Turner, Brielle, Mason & Everly Musch. Brothers Buzz (Berta) Ronchi, Tony (Margie) Ronchi, Randy (Kathy) Ronchi, and sister Donna (Jim) Rusk. Many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in his death by his parents; wives, Sandy & Cloie, significant-other Joyce Darker, sisters Marge (Charlie) Larson, and Jean (Tom) Bitner, Stepdaughter Lori Swcheiger and his dear sweet companion dog Bailee, who he adored very much.

Special thanks must be given to Marlene who was a loving companion to our Dad for almost 5 years. We also want to express our gratitude to Essentia Health, Duluth, for all the years of wonderful care they provided to our Dad and most recently during his 13 days in the ICU. He received excellent care, especially from his angel-like nurse, Monica Olander. Billy, Dinah & Julie wish to give their heartfelt love and thankfulness to everyone who reached out with thoughts and prayers during his last days. It truly is a blessing to have wonderful family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 19, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Lake Nebagamon, 11648 E. County Road B, and continue until the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant. Bob's eight grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

There will be additional time for visiting and remembering Rapid Robert at a reception at the Lake Nebagamon Auditorium following the service. Committal and Internment will be at the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th St. in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.