Ronald W. DeFere, age 78, longtime Two Rivers resident, died unexpectedly with his family at his side on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.
Ron was born in Sturgeon Bay on November 11, 1939 to Elton and Dorothy (Seiler) DeFere. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the class of 1958. On April 28, 1962, he married Ann C. Lauscher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay. From 1962 to 1964, Ron served his country with the U.S. Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He also was a merchant mariner on the Great Lakes. Ron worked for many years as owner/partner of DeFere & Anderson Real Estate Company. In 1994 he opened DeFere Appraisal, Inc. and partnered with his daughter, Tracy. He was a longtime (32 year) member of the Two Rivers Kiwanis Club; member of the Two Rivers Senior Center, February Club, and active member/volunteer at his church – St. Peter the Fisherman Parish. Ron was a classic car enthusiast; he enjoyed golfing, stopping at rummage/estate sales (always finding something to buy); and loved working around his yard, especially caring for his lawn. He will be remembered by his family as a one of a kind, incredible Dad, Grandpa,Great-Grandpa, and Great-Great Grandpa.
Survivors include his wife, Ann; daughter & son-in-law, Tracy and Rick Becker; one son, Douglas DeFere; two granddaughters, Laura and Todd Ravazza, and Angela Leiser; three great-grandchildren, Tiffany (Arturo) Galano, Tchantz Ravazza, Tzander Ravazza; and a great-great granddaughter, Scarlett Rae Galano. He is further survived by one brother & sister-in-law, Gary (Joann) DeFere of Shawano; one sister & brother-in-law, Bonnie (Leon) Gezella of Ashwaubenon; his dogs, “Grrly and Bella”; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother-in-law, Milton (George) Lauscher; and his good friend, Mike Grasee.
Funeral services will be held at 12 o’clock Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd. Two Rivers. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Dave Pleier, with burial to follow in Forest View Cemetery, Two Rivers. Military graveside rites will accorded at the church immediately following the mass by members of VFW Post # 1248 and American Legion Post # 165 of Two Rivers.
The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Wednesday morning from 9:30 until 11:45 a.m. There will be no Tuesday evening visitation.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.
Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th St. Two Rivers is assisting the DeFere family with funeral arrangements.
Ron’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Two Rivers Fire Fighters/Paramedics, especially Randy Pinchard for their life saving efforts & quick response. Special thanks also to the staff of Aurora BayCare Medical Center ICU for the wonderful care and compassion extended. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
