Ronald Klaila

Ronald Charles Klaila, age 57, died at home on Saturday, May 4, 2013. He was born on January 29, 1956 to Ralph and Carol Klaila. He lived and worked in Madison his entire life. He attended Spring Harbor Elementary School and Van Hise Middle School and then graduated from Madison Memorial High School in 1974. Ron completed the MATC Graphics Arts Communications program that prepared him to be a printer. He was a member of Local 507 - Graphic Arts International. Ron was known for living his life the way he wanted to live and for his generosity to others. He was interested in model railroading and would paint railroad cars with great detail. He enjoyed target shooting, camping, and following NASCAR races, baseball, and the UW Men's Hockey team. He first worked as a printer for Reliable Insurance, and then operated large sheet-fed printing presses for Litho Productions and Suttle-Straus Press. He was challenged by a period of unemployment which was followed by a struggle with throat cancer. Through these difficult times he never gave up and impressed his friends and caregivers with his tenacious endurance and good spirits. Ron is survived by his brother, Dennis Klaila and sister-in-law Gabrielle Blood, his uncle Marvin Carney, his aunts Nona Merklein and Stella Carney, both of Portage, his aunt, Pearl Klaila of Poynette, many cousins, his life-long friend, Karl Eberle, and his former spouse, Kristine James. He was preceded in death by his parents, many uncles and aunts, and a dog, Spencer, who were all an important part of his life. Ron's family is grateful for the care and attention given to him by Dean Care, St. Mary's Hospital, ABC's for Health, and the support they received from Agrace Hospice Chaplains. A Memorial-Prayer Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 16, at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 6205 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, followed later by burial of ashes at Sunset Memory Gardens, 7302 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI 53717. The family requests that any contributions made in Ron's name be given to St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, 700 South Park Street, Madison, WI 53705 or to a favorite charity.