James L. 'Jim' Ronis

James L. ‘Jim’ Ronis, of Gleason, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill.

Jim was born September 16, 1955, in Merrill, son of Leonard and Audree (English) Ronis. He married Debra Thom on July 16, 1982, in Merrill. Jim worked at Merrill Sand & Gravel for over thirty years and retired as a heavy equipment operator. Jim and Debbie operated ‘Ronis’ Rolling Ridge Ranch’ for many years. Jim enjoyed showing their Belgian Draft Horses at the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis and many other draft horse shows in the area.

Jim enjoyed horse riding, camping, fishing, and hunting. More recently, you could find Jim riding around Gleason on his side by side. Jim enjoyed building race cars and in 2001 he went to the Daytona 500 with several family members.

Jim is survived by his wife, Debra Ronis of Gleason; daughters, Carrie Ronis and Ashley Ronis both of Gleason; sons, Tommy (Amy) Kiefer of Oak Grove, MN and Phil Kiefer of Crandon; grandchildren, Carlee Ronis of Gleason, and Hannah and Cody Kiefer of Oak Grove, MN; mother-in-law, Jean Thom of Gleason; brother and sister-in-law, John and Katie Ronis of Gleason; and several brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Audree Ronis; and father-in-law, Barney Thom.

The memorial service for Jim will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Elwood Derstine will officiate. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the funeral home. The burial will take place in Gleason Cemetery, Town of Russell, at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Court Elder Services for the exceptional care they provided Jim.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com