Ronald A Maerz

Ronald "Ron" Maerz passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2026, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born on October 5, 1941, in Arlington, Wisconsin to Joseph "Joe" and Mary Maerz. He grew up in Waunakee and Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and graduated from Stoughton High School.

Ron proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before beginning his civilian career. Following his military service, he worked as a butcher at Oscar Mayer in Madison, Wisconsin, where he dedicated many years before retiring in 1984. Never one to sit still, Ron later joined the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier for the Oregon, Wisconsin, Post Office. He enjoyed serving the community, delivering mail, and building friendships along his route, retiring from the Postal Service in 2018.

Ron's life was shaped by the love of his family. He was a devoted father to six children, whom he loved equally and unconditionally. On April 14, 1978, Ron married Joanne Wagner, and together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, family, and cherished memories until Joanne's passing on March 5, 2026.

Ron was an avid gardener whose oversized radishes and cabbages became legendary among family and friends. He found great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor with others.

He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. His strong voice and quiet presence commanded attention, and what he had to say was always worth hearing.

Family was always Ron's greatest priority. His children knew him as a strong, dependable father who made them feel safe and loved. His wisdom, steady guidance, and unwavering support could always be counted on. Ron was generous to a fault, always willing to lend a helping hand or give the shirt off his back to someone in need. More than once, he opened his home to those who needed a place to stay.

Some of the family's favorite memories include time spent on the farm, annual family pig roasts and Sunday mornings filled with classic country music, a tradition that became a cherished part of family life that was passed down to his grandchildren. He loved listening to his daughter Rachelle sing and especially enjoyed dancing with Joanne. Everyone smiled when he would point toward Rachelle with and hold up one finger, his quiet way of saying she was “number one”, an expression of the love, pride, and encouragement he shared with all his children. Those simple moments of love, laughter, and togetherness became lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

A special thank you goes to Ron's son, Dusty Maerz, whose extraordinary love, dedication, and selflessness provided comfort and care to both Ron and Joanne during their illnesses. Dusty made the incredible sacrifice of stepping away from work to be there for them, helping fulfill their wish to remain at home surrounded by love and family. His compassion, patience, and unwavering support allowed Ron and Joanne to spend their final days in the place they cherished most.

Ron is survived by his children, Rick Maerz, Ronda (Terry) Grinde, Rachelle Fiskey, Colleen (Brenda) Reinen, Amy (Andy) Zahn, and Dusty Maerz; his brothers, Mike (Bonnie) Maerz, Art (Jan) Maerz, Joe Maerz, Leon (Bobbie) Maerz; his sisters, Lois Robinson, Dianne Lindquist, Barb (David) Nennig, Sue Clark and Don Palmer, Carol (Tom) Murray, Mary Jo (David) Seiter; his sisters-in-law, Sandra Maerz, Patty Maerz and Sue Anne Maerz; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph "Joe" and Mary Maerz; his beloved wife, Joanne Maerz; his son-in-law, Mike Fiskey; and his brothers, Wayne, Denny, and Cliff Maerz.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared Ron's life and friendship over the years. His kindness, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family and friends will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

The family also extends a special thank you to Agrace, especially Melissa, for the loving care, kindness, and compassion shown to both Ron and Joanne during the final days of their lives. Your support brought comfort and dignity not only to them but to our entire family, and we will always be grateful.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

201 Bue Street Deerfield

(608) 764-5369