Ron purchased his one-way ticket to that mythical place called Margaritaville on April 27, 2024. Beloved husband and best friend of Sue for 62 wonderful years. Loving father of two great children, Lisa (Joe) Schalig-Winter of Anchorage, Alaska and Steve (Mary) Schalig of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Dear grandfather of Maya (Austin) Schalig, Brady (Jordyn) Schalig, Maddie, Joey and Tallulah. Brother-in-law of Larry Cornelius of Sun City, Arizona and Nancy Cornelius of Sacramento, California. Preceded in death by his mother and father, Kurt and Rose Schalig, in-laws Clarence and Anne Cornelius, and son in law Peter Schalig.
Ron was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps being honorably discharged after serving on active duty from 1960 to 1964. After his military service, Ron received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education/History from UW Milwaukee in 1969 and his Master’s Degree from UW Milwaukee in 1976. He retired after a very enjoyable teaching career at Wauwatosa West High School from the Social Studies Department in June, 1999. Ron, along with his colleague and dear friend, the late Terry Huth, were selected by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the first teacher exchange program. They were paired with the State of Hessen, Germany during the 1990-91 school year.
Ron enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren as they always brought a twinkle to his eyes and a smile to his face with their many accomplishments through the years. Time with Grandpa was special and he had to make sure the candy jar was always full.
Ron’s greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his wife, Sue. He enjoyed their trips to Europe, going to a special cabin on Tippecanoe Lake near Minocqua, road trips to the Florida Keys or the Panhandle, watching a good movie, attending an Eagles or Jimmy Buffett concert and laughing at the antics of their labrador retrievers named Max and Cody (who are playing fetch with Ron right now). Today, Max the cat is the official greeter at the Schalig home.
At Ron’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. A visitation for family and friends will take place at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home located at 10121 W. North Avenue in Wauwatosa on May 11, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 1:30PM. Guests will have an opportunity to share stories following the eulogy. Lunch will be served immediately after in the community room at Schmidt and Bartelt, where we hope to keep the laughs going. Casual attire is encouraged.
Ron would like to say thanks to Bill W. and Dr. Bob and all their associates over the years. He leaves you with the following farewell thoughts: Semper Fi, One Day at a Time, and Auf Wiedersehen. Lastly, from one of Ron’s favorite singers and authors, the late Jimmy Buffett; “If we couldn’t laugh, we’d all go insane.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Milwaukee Parks Foundation. Ron spent his childhood playing baseball, riding bikes and meeting up with his buddies under a giant oak tree at Wilson Park.
