Ronald C. Brasch

Ronald Carl Brasch, also known as “Uncle Wonky”, age 76, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025 after a short & courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, joy, and unwavering compassion. Born December 5, 1948, in Appleton, WI, Ron was born to the late Lucille and Carl Brasch. In his younger years he moved and grew up in Riverside, CA where he also graduated from high school.

Ron proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army as a SP4 from 1969 to 1971. He fought in the Vietnam War where he earned the Bronze Star. Ron then devoted his life to caring for others. He built his career starting as a Paramedic while living in Georgia, then moved to Wisconsin and worked as an RN in the ICU at ThedaClark hospital in Neenah, nicknamed the “Green Giant”, where his dedication, skill, and gentle presence brought comfort to countless patients and families, also building lifelong friendships with his co-workers. He finished out his RN career working with Dr. Knaus at an Internal Medicine Clinic. Ron was deeply honored to receive the Nurse of the Year of Wisconsin, a recognition that reflected his commitment to excellence and empathy.

Full of energy and an endlessly upbeat spirit, he was known for greeting everyone as “Darlin.” In retirement, Ron embraced life with joy and simplicity. He spent his winter months in Panama City Beach, where the ocean became his sanctuary. All he needed was a front row seat watching the waves crash, eating good food, playing golf, and watching sports. He was living his best life every day waking up to a cup of coffee and watching the dolphins play in the ocean from his porch.

Ron is lovingly remembered by his sisters Karen Brasch and Diane Cook (Mark Neveau); his nieces Michelle (Corey) Gunderson and Stephanie (Sean) Cavanaugh; his stepsons, Shane Miller and Jason Miller, along with great nieces and nephews, Nathan, Alayna, Landon, Brock, Imogen, & great-great niece, Luna. Also survived by so many other family members and a wide circle of friends whose lives were brightened by his humor and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eugene who passed away as an infant, and numerous other family members.

Honoring Ron’s wishes, the family will not be holding a formal funeral service. Instead, they invite all who knew him to remember him in their own way, go out and celebrate, pay it forward, live with intention, or simply look up at the sky and smile. Also, if you’re able to, please sign up to be a organ donor.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at ThedaCare Neenah and ThedaCare Hospice. Your compassion and professionalism throughout this transition is not taken for granted and appreciated more than you will ever know.

While we are certain Ron is creating lots of laughs and chaos up in heaven, we know he is raising a glass of wine with friends and family who were there before him. We take comfort in knowing that the party up there just got a LOT louder. We will keep on telling his stories, especially the embarrassing ones, so that his laughter and memory never fades. You were definitely one of a kind and you will never be forgotten. See ya later, Darlin.