Ronald Garth Seefeldt

With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Ronald Garth Seefeldt (Ron), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. On June 19, 2025, one day before his 75th birthday, Ron left this world after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer, this after a 17-year battle with prostate cancer. Ron, known for his quiet strength, kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family, touched the lives of many people. He will be greatly missed.

Ron was born on June 20, 1950, to Carl and Patricia (Champion-Taylor) Seefeldt in the beautiful mountain town of Rossland, British Columbia, Canada. He grew up with three siblings, his older brother, Gary, and younger sisters, Karen and Robin. After graduating from Rossland Secondary School in 1968, he went on to get his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia in 1972.

In 1977, Ron married the love of his life, Shipra, and they built a beautiful life together, recently celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary. They decided to move to Appleton in 1979 to both pursue master’s degrees, with Ron earning his Master of Science degree at the Institute of Paper Chemistry in 1981. Ron and Shipra then moved back to Canada where their son Greg was born in 1982, and their daughter Anjali in 1984. In 1986 the Seefeldts decided to settle back in Appleton, a community that became their home.

From 1986 through 2015, Ron worked in all parts of the pulp and paper industry, from technical/process engineering roles in research and development to pulp procurement roles, to managing all aspects of printing and converting operations. From 1986 to 2008, Ron worked at Appleton Papers in the roles of Staff Process Engineer, Headquarters Purchasing Specialist, Corporate Fiber Manager, and Senior Scientist (R&D). Ron then worked at Waldan Paper Services, first as Vice President of Operations and next as Chief Operating Officer, retiring in 2015. Ron was passionate about his work and made numerous and significant contributions to the pulp and paper industry.

Ron’s other passions included playing golf and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. He loved the competition of the game and made a special effort to try and perfect his swing and score. He especially loved playing golf with Greg as well as with his golf buddies. One of his proudest achievements was the day he made a hole-in-one — a story he loved to tell and a memory he held dear. He also loved driving his cars and owned 5 Ford Mustangs over the years.

His other joys included backyard barbecues, cooking delicious meals, traveling, watching Packer games with family and friends, spending time with his step granddaughters, Evy, Vivi, and Lia, sharing a good story, and most recently, cherishing every moment with his granddaughter, Priya, who lit up his world in ways words could never fully capture.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Shipra; his son, Greg; his daughter Anjali (Graeme); his granddaughter, Priya and step granddaughters, Evy, Vivi, and Lia. He is also survived by his sister Karen (George), and nephews Jesse, Joel, Kelly, and families; his sister Robin (Bob); brother-in-law Som (Maya), niece Katya, and nephew Kiron, and families. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Patricia, and brother, Gary.

The Seefeldt family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and thank the many doctors, nurses, and staff at the Mayo Clinic, the St. Elizabeth’s Cancer Team and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. Your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. Thank you also to all the family, friends, and caregivers who provided help and support in numerous ways. Finally, a special thank you to Som and his family for their multiple trips to Appleton from Ireland and Canada to help the Seefeldts during this difficult journey.

A visitation and gathering, welcoming all who knew Ron, will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27, at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 North Superior Street (downtown Appleton). 

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday September 13, 2025, from 1pm until 4pm, at Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N Lyndale Ave, Appleton. Please wear bright colors and/or tropical apparel.