Richard T. Bronson, age 89, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, January 12, 2021, with his loving family at his side.
Richard was born on July 16, 1931, in Cashton, Wisconsin, son of the late Carl and Gladys (Anderson) Bronson. He graduated with the class of 1950 from Cashton High School. On September 26, 1953 Richard married his childhood sweetheart, Elaine L. Dunnum, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cashton. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2019.
The family moved to Manitowoc in 1959 and Richard began working for the Manitowoc Company, later moving to the Kelvinator Company. He finished his career retiring from Manitowoc Ice in 1996. Richard was a member of First Lutheran Church where he sang bass in the choir, was active in the men’s club and church council, and served as a Deacon. He fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming a pilot. He was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, served as president of Chapter 383, and attended every Oshkosh airshow until very late in life. He also helped organize the Manitowoc Airshows for many years. Richard was also very passionate about his Norwegian heritage, being an active member of the Sons of Norway for many years. Richard’s other interests included reading, gardening, coin collecting and traveling with his wife to visit friends and family in Alaska and Canada.
Survivors include his four children: Thomas (Jean) Bronson, Greenfield, Carie Bronson (Dewey Hemba), Hartland, Brian (Lia) Bronson, Salem, Christina “Tina” (Larry) Simons, Franklin; nine grandchildren: Erik (Michelle) Bronson, Brianne (Trent) Greenawalt, Ken (Dottie) Hemba, Chris (Samantha) Hemba, Laura Gurka, Sarah Senger, Sofia Bronson, Emily Simons, Daniel Simons; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law: Gary (Barb) Bronson, Allenton, numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Carl and Gladys Bronson; three brothers and one sister-in-law: infant, William Bronson, Robert Bronson, Donald (Ellen) Bronson; two sisters and three brothers-in-law: Bette (Ed) Zinke (Robert Sveum), and Juanita (Blaine) Mickelson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th Street, Manitowoc. Rev. Rachel Hacker will officiate with entombment of both Elaine and Richard to take place at the Knollwood Mausoleum. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 until the time of services at 3:00 pm. Friends and relatives may join a live stream on the Lakeshore Family Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 2:45 PM. To remain in compliance with state COVID-19 directives and funeral home policy, visitors are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
The family is very appreciative of the loving care and friendship provided by the staff and residents of Tender Reflections and River Woods over the last several years.
