Ronald R. Masanz

Ronald R. Masanz, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on Sunday April 20, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with multiple illnesses.

Born on November 7, 1949, in Marshfield, Ron was the son of Joseph and Ethel (Kamenick) Masanz. He was a 1968 graduate of Stratford High School. Thereafter he graduated from Madison Barber College on May 23, 1970, following in the footsteps of his father and brother Dale. He would later discover a lifelong passion for woodworking—a craft that became both his career and his creative outlet.

Over the years, Ron left his artistic fingerprint on countless projects through his work at Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork creating showroom displays and engineering a new window product line. At Wausau Homes he also brought showroom displays to life with precision and creativity. Other employment over the years included, Crestline/SNE, and Morgan Door. He finished his professional career at Gulfstream, where he worked in the cabinet shop and created custom jet interiors— a perfect finale for someone who had always had a flair for detail and a love of beautiful things.

Ron married the love of his life, Karen Huber, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and mutual support. He was a man of faith and a long-time member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Beyond woodworking, Ron was a Corvette enthusiast and painstakingly completed a total body-off restoration to his 1974 Corvette. At judging he received a Bloomington Gold Certification—no small feat—and later enjoyed taking a ride in his 2002 Corvette. A curious and adventurous spirit, he and Karen traveled the globe, visiting nearly two dozen countries and soaking up culture and history—until his health told him it was time to slow down.

Ron’s passions were as unique as his personality: he followed Indy and NASCAR races with enthusiasm, collected pennies with an eagle eye for rare finds, and had an insatiable curiosity about how things worked. His stories were memorable and he left an impression on those who got to know him.

He leaves behind a legacy of craftsmanship, survived by his devoted wife, Karen, his daughter Carla (Tom) Strauch, and beloved grandchildren Aaron and Taylor. He is further survived by his brother Marlyn (Judy) Masanz, sister Kristine (Duwayne) Merkes, sister-in-law Elmira “Mike”Masanz, sister-in-law Jeanette (Knauf) Masanz, brother-in-law Steve (Phyllis) Huber; sister-in-law Carol Huber; and many cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ron was welcomed into eternal rest by his parents, Joe and Ethel Masanz; his brothers Dale and Allen Masanz; sister-in-law Judy Masanz; his nephew Neil Masanz; his in-laws Carl and Kathleen Huber; his brother-in-law Gilbert Huber; and his niece Jennifer (Huber) Meana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at 11:00AM, at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, 615 DePere Street, Menasha, WI, with Reverend Michael Lightner officiating.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday from 10:00AM until the time of the service.

Ron’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and who supported him with compassion at the end of his illness, including CopperStone Assisted Living, Moments Hospice and ThedaCare hospital.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society.