Ronald Davis

Ronald H. Davis, age 72, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, June 26th, 2025 after a hard-fought battle with Short Telomere Syndrome. Born on July 8th, 1952, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to parents Richard Davis and Helen Rose Davis. Ron's childhood consisted of many fond memories growing up on 581 4th street including forts in the back yard, sleeping out on the screened in porch, sliding down the laundry chute, and after dinner ping pong tournaments in the basement. Ron spent most of his teen years traveling across the state playing drums in the rock band Souled Out. Time between gigs was spent fishing and hanging with friends, especially with one cute girl in particular named Deb Wagner who would later (after a few hiccups) become his wife of over 40 years.

Ron earned is undergrad at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire majoring in Journalism and English and would later earn a degree in Education from UW-Stevens Point and eventually his Master's. After an assortment of jobs after college Ron found his calling teaching High School English at Tomorrow River High School in Amherst, WI for over 30 years. While at Amherst, Ron also taught Video Production, Photography, Creative Writing and was the yearbook advisor. During his tenure Ron could often be seen on the sidelines of sporting events taking pictures for the yearbook. Ron was a lifelong learner and was instrumental in bringing new technology to the school and taught fellow teachers in the summer for the Central Wisconsin Writing Project.

For as great as a teacher Ron was, he was an even better father. Ron spent many hours in the outdoors with his son Kellen teaching him how to hunt, fish and appreciate nature. Ron and his son took yearly fishing trips together including last year on Lake Superior where Ron didn't miss an opportunity to let everyone know that he caught the most fish.

Although hunting and fishing weren't his daughter Sarah's favorite activities, they bonded over their love for literature, satire and The Beatles, and Ron always made time for her many dance recitals and elaborate "plays" she made up at home.

Ron and his wife Deb have known each other for more than half a century, and that time was spent with much laughter and good memories and a few "We aren't doing things Deb's way right now" moments. They raised two children on just over five woody acres in Scandinavia, WI and eventually moved back to Eau Claire, WI where both previously attended college. Their relationship was one built on a deep friendship, with good times spent on walks down Nottleson Road, family vacations, and even one memorable camping trip to Sylvania, WI carrying a canoe, gear and two dogs (Ron later said that was when he knew she was the one).

After retiring from teaching high school, Ron taught college for a few years at UWSP and devoted more of his time to writing, including stories for a motorcycle magazine, a community periodical, Wisconsin Public Radio and eventually publishing two books. Ron also spent retirement perfecting his role as a grandpa. You could often find him on the floor putting Legos together with his grandson Lincoln, building dollhouses out of homemade blocks with his granddaughter Lyla, taking photos at his grandson Keegan's baseball games and listening to his granddaughter Kylie explain about absolutely everything as only a nine-year-old can.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Richard A. Davis and Helen Rose Chassel Davis, and his brother Larry Davis and many good dogs including his beloved Scout.

He is survived by his wife Debra L. Wagner, his two children, Kellen W. (Robyn) Davis and Sarah G. (Jim) Gauch; his grandchildren, Keegan and Kylie Davis, and Lincoln and Lyla Gauch; two sisters, Wendy (Ward) Weiss, and Jo Ellen Immel Davis; his sister-in-law Pam Davis and many dear nieces and nephews and his dog Penny.

Wherever Ron is now one can be sure he is most likely watching a rerun of his favorite show, Seinfeld. Ron will surely be missed by so many, and it is truly hard to say goodbye to such a great man. Really hard.

That's what she said. 😉

Memorials may be made to set up a scholarship in his name at his alma mater the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. https://gofund.me/b18fc4ba.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.