Ronald D Carlson

Ronald "Ron" Carlson, affectionately referred to as Buppa, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on February 6, 2025, at the age of 67.
Ron was born December 15, 1957, in Wausau, WI; son of the late Ronald Carlson and Janet Stefinski. His father, Ronald, was tragically killed in a car accident before ever meeting his son. His mother, Janet, found love again, and was married to Robert Carlson, who raised Ron and his brother, Dale. At the age of 4, his family moved from Washburn to West Allis, where he grew up loving sports, playing football and basketball in high school. His childhood also consisted of spending as much time with his Washburn family as he could. In 1976, Ron graduated from West Milwaukee High School. During his teenage years, Ron worked at the Milwaukee County Stadium, beginning as a vendor and working up to grounds crew. This experience presented many opportunities to get up close and personal with a number of famous baseball players such as Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, and Robin Yount. Additionally, Cecil Cooper got him started on chewing tobacco and he was fortunate to be present for Hank Aaron's 755th home run!
Following high school, Ron began attending the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. A year later, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, courageously serving his country from 1978 to 1982. While Ron worked odd jobs around the Stevens Point area, his career focus was public safety. He served two years as a game warden and then went on to dedicate 32 years of service as a police officer. He began as the youngest officer hired, at 20 years old, and worked his way up to Assistant Police Chief. However, Ron's retirement didn't last long; 2 days, to be exact. He then decided to begin a new career alongside Kurt Helminiak at Justice Works. Ron called this work the most rewarding work he had done. In this role, his compassionate and loving traits shined; he loved being able to help others.
Outside of work, Ron was a devoted husband to Donna and a proud father to their three daughters, Stacey, Sara, and Emily. Ron and Donna met in the 7th grade and two years later, as freshman in high school, they began dating. They truly were high school sweethearts and soul mates; a love that was meant to be. Upon becoming a father, Ron was highly involved with his children and was their number one supporter, no matter the activity. For 30 years, Ron coached girls softball, including his daughters' and granddaughters' teams, even holding the position of Head Coach for the SPASH's varsity softball team. Ron was also extremely involved in his community, actively participating in numerous organizations, sometimes serving as a board member. Some of these organizations included the AODA, Portage County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Salvation Army, Elder Abuse Team, Portage County Child Passenger Safety, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Portage County, Stevens Point Youth Girls Softball, Valley Community Credit Union, Portage County Planning and Preservation Committee, Wisconsin Traffic Officers Association, Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association, Wisconsin Hostage Negotiators Association, Wisconsin Training Association, Portage County Tobacco Free Coalition, Portage County United Way Allocations Committee, City of Stevens Point Safety Committee, and Special Olympics.
When engaging in his favorite pastimes, Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing, constructing models, playing cards, and gardening. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing as much as watching, including baseball, football, and basketball. Ron even participated in fantasy football and baseball leagues when he needed more sports action! He waited on the Green Bay Packer ticket list for over 30 years before he was finally awarded tickets for the Green and Gold Package. In addition to playing and watching sports, he also enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia. Above all else, Ron was an honest and loyal man who loved spending time with his family. He was sure to attend his grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on just as he had done for his daughters. Ron was always up for a good adventure with his family which included anything from building forts in the woods to egg hunts. Over the years, he worked hard to perfect his infamous Dad Jokes and his family knew you could always count on a good story from Buppa. While Ron's family was his greatest love, he also had a passion for helping others. Even after his diagnosis, he was driven to help others in his shoes, and quickly volunteered to help counsel others going through the same difficulties. His kind heart and fun-loving sense of humor will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 46 amazing years, Donna; his daughters, Stacey (Ryan) Cisewski, Sara (Rick) Berna, and Emily Carlson; and his 11 grandchildren, Nathan Carlson, Ethan Carlson, Mason Wolosek, Mia Berna, Sean Berna, Haylee Cisewski, Vivian Berna, Emma Cisewski, Grady Raatz, Bennett Raatz, and Eli Cisewski. He is further survived by his brother, Dale (Deb) Carlson; his sister-in-law, Renee Carlson; his brother-in-law, Raymond "Butch" Walczak; his niece, Melissa (Kevin) Harrigan; his nephew, Daniel Carlson; his life-long friend, Mike Roberts; and many more cousins and dear friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Janet; his biological father, Ronald; his paternal grandparents, Kermit and Grace Carlson; his maternal grandparents, Stanley and Lillian Stefinski; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to express a special Thank You to Kevin and Dawn Ruder for their unwavering support; the Aspirus oncology team who all became family; and Venessa at Compassus who went above and beyond. Furthermore, a sincere and heartfelt Thank You to each and every person who was there to support Ron and his family. The cards, messages, calls, and visits meant so much to him. Ron never really knew the impact he had on so many people; he was a very humble man.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church - 1919 Wyatt Ave., Stevens Point. Pastor Steve Hulke will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church from 9:30 AM Saturday morning until the time of service.
Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family.