Ronald 'Ron' Schleif

Ron Schleif passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at home on his farm on October 5, 2024, at the age of 73 in Merrill, WI. Born on November 1st, 1950, the son of the late Theodore and Lila (Sense) Schleif. He attended Goettchel and brickyard one room school-house, and Pine River School. He graduated Merrill High School class of 68. He attended farm short course in Madison, WI.

He started his own dairy farming career in 1969 farming next to his father. He was proud to be a farmer his entire life. He met the love of his life Kathy Rusch at a Halloween polka party dance at Schmidt’s ballroom. They married on October 27, 1973, a marriage that lasted almost 51 years. Over the years they were blessed with four children. They bought their first farm together in the summer of 1980. While farming on French Ridge they expanded and purchased Breezy Acre’s Farm in 1984 in Merrill. They continued to expand their operations to 5 different locations. Ron with his family took care of 300 head of cattle, and worked 500 acres of land. Ron was honored to receive the outstanding young farmer award. Later in life Ron held a soil and health demonstration on his farm when he transitioned to no-till farming. He was one of the first farmers in the county to make this transition. The UW-Extension was very impressed with the quality of his soil and the high yield of his soybeans. He always said, take care of your land and animals, and they will take care of you.

Ron was an avid firearm enthusiast and collector and took pride in reloading his own ammunition and was a perfectionist for accuracy. He has passed down some of his cherished guns to his grandchildren who will carry on the hunting tradition. His grandsons Brayden and Mason loved listening to grandpa tell hunting stories and talk about his guns. Just sitting next to grandpa meant a lot to all his grandkids. He was a walking encyclopedia in regards to firearms, tractors, farming and farming history. Ron always believed in education and never stopped reading books and watching “a good show” on public television while enjoying a PBR after evening chores or during a Packer game. He loved to hunt and fish and attend gun, tractor and steam shows. He loved being in the woods just spending time in nature and making firewood. In his early years with his brothers, he pulled in local tractor pulls and passed on his love of tractors and pulling to his eldest son Chris. In fact, he helped Chris build his first pulling tractor. His kids have fond memories of walking into the barn to hear dad singing gospel hymns while milking cows. He loved singing in the church choir, especially with his youngest son Tim. A tradition on Christmas Eve he looked forward to was signing a trio with his two granddaughters Sadie and Sydney during the church service. He loved going to his grandchildren’s choir and band concerts, dance shows, square dancing events, baseball and football games. He was kind and caring to everyone he met. A man of few words, and put everything into perspective guiding those he cared most about. He would drop whatever he was doing to help his children or grandchildren.

One of his favorite family traditions that has been passed down to his children and grandchildren is making venison sausage and other processed meats while enjoying a blackberry brandy and muscatel wine. Collecting and making maple syrup, gathering fruits from his orchard to make wines and canned goods for his family. Apples, pears, plums, raspberries, blackberries and grapes to name a few. He took pride in his four children showing his livestock and crops at the Lincoln County fair. At one time his children exhibited 15 head of livestock, as well as swine and sheep at the fair. Later in life Ron enjoyed mentoring and watching his grandchildren carry on this tradition not only at Lincoln County, but at the state fair and national levels. It was important for Ron to instill his German heritage and family roots to his family. The German prayer is always spoken when family gathered. He believed that you should always remember and be proud of where you came from. Hosting 4-H and family hayrides and shooting clay pigeons were two of his favorites. Ron and Kathy loved to go to polka shows and shared this love with his family. Ron loved caring for all animals, especially his border collies Trixie, Sadie, Sally and Josie. Wherever Ron went, they were loyal and never left his side.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Ted & Lila, in-laws Alvin & Agnes Rusch, & nephew Matthew Schleif. Survivors include: his wife Kathy Schleif, children Chris Schleif (Becky), Jennifer Schleif-Scott (Mike), Becky Wiederhoeft (Mike), & Tim Schleif. Grandchildren: Hailey Erdmann (Steven), Jacob Schleif, Sadie & Sydney Schleif, Brayden, Mason & Kaitlyn Wiederhoeft and great grandson James Erdmann. Brothers: Brian Schleif (Rosie), Barry Schleif (Karen), sisters Rosanne Schleif and Laurie Upp (Beryl) & numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his beloved border collie dogs Sally and Josie. Ron cared about the neighborhood farmers helping each other in time of need. Let’s honor Ron to his final resting place. We invite you, the neighboring farming community to drive your tractor in the processional from Calvary Lutheran Church to St. James cemetery.

His four children always remembered when there was farm work to be done, he would reply firmly, “it’s time.” Now God has called him home, “Ron, it’s time,” I need another farmer in heaven. Daddy, your legacy will live on through your family.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Calvary Lutheran Church, Town of Pine River, Lincoln County. Rev. Jennifer Hoffmann will officiate. Burial will take place in St. James Cemetery, Town of Pine River. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:00 A.M. Friday at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com