Ronald Cattelan

Ronald Cattelan of Denmark, WI, a man of many interests and talents, passed away on Sunday October 30, 2022. He was born in Detroit, MI on March 15, 1938 to the late Fred and Marie Cattelan. He graduated from Norway, MI High School in 1956 and immediately entered the Air Force for four years. In 1963, he graduated from Northern Michigan University and later received his MA from the University of WI Oshkosh. He taught art at Preble Jr. High, Edison Middle School, and Preble High School retiring in 1995.

Ron was always doing some form of carpentry having built his mother’s home during his college years. During summer vacations he did carpentry projects both large and small. He built the three homes in which his family resided, two family cottages, and several homes for his son and others.

Living in the U.P. gave him the opportunity to go downhill skiing. Later he tried cross-country skiing and competed in many races including twenty Birkiebiener races. Running was also on his list of activities starting with 5K and 10K events and eventually doing 11 marathons. To celebrate his 50th birthday he did the 50 mile Ice Age Trail run. Biking, on road and off road, filled many summer weekends. His longest ride was the all day Ride Across WI - 220 miles. Ron also managed to do triathlons; his longest ones were Tinman events. He went golfing just for fun.

Ron was a member of the All Saints Parish in Denmark, Knights of Columbus, Denmark Lions Club, American Legion Post 363, Italian Club, a co-founder of the Bay Shore Bicycle Club, Friends of Neshota Park, an usher at the Weidner Center and delivered Meals on Wheels.

On December 27, 1965 Ron and Lu (former Lucille LaBelle) were married and together raised three sons and a daughter. Survivors include his wife Lu, sons Russell (Lorna), Ross (Rachel), Rory (Michelle) and their children - Alexa, Sophia, Isaac and Maria, and Renee (Tetsuya) Yamada and their girls - Risa and Rie. He is also survived by his siblings: Ramon Cattelan, Yvonne (Vincent) Fiorucci, and Suzanne Varda Cattelan, and godchildren Tiffany (Joe) Baudhuin and Tony (Teena) Fiorucci. Also surviving is a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dan and Vi LaBelle, Talon and Steel Kilgore-Cavis, and nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his son Ryan Michael, his parents, his in-laws, Lloyd and Alma LaBelle and his sister-in-law, Alice LaBelle.

Visitation will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark, WI on Friday, November 4th from 10:00am-11:45am. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, Fr. Xavier Amirtham, O.Praem officiating. Burial in the All Saints Cemetery to follow.

Thank you to the staff at Unity Hospice and all the professionals who helped Ron through his many medical journeys. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Johns Homeless shelter in Green Bay or your favorite charity in Ron’s name.