Ronald Joseph Curtis

In Loving Memory of Ronald Joseph Curtis

November 16, 1941 – March 20, 2026

The good Lord finally decided it was time to call home one of His rowdiest, funniest, and most well‑loved troublemakers: Ronald Joseph Curtis. Born on November 16, 1941, to John and Marie (Frank) Curtis, Ron spent 84 years giving the world stories that his family will be laughing and shaking their heads about for generations.

Ron leaves behind his children Terri West (Henry), Michelle Sazone (Cartney), Craig Curtis (Melissa), Michael Curtis, and Lisa Akstulewicz (Lee). Daughter-in-law, Alicha Curtis-Wilson, Son-in-Law, Arthur (Bill) Warren. His grandkids Anthony Curtis Jr., Nathan Curtis, Dalton Curtis, Braxton Curtis, Autumn Curtis, Jaycek Akstulewicz, Jacob West, Jordan West, Brittany Kok (West), Jamie Chapin, Marcus Ruppel, and Amanda Ruppel. His great‑grandkids Micah, Ariel, Paul, Lynae, Amara, and Khalil. As well as two nephews and a niece.

He is preceded in death by his sons Ronald Curtis Jr. and Anthony Curtis, his daughter Vicki Warren, great‑grandchild Dahlia Chapin, and his brother, Maynard Curtis, who no doubt, have all greeted him with open arms.

Ron never did anything halfway. As a young man, he worked at Mercury Marine at Lake X, test‑driving boats for Carl Kiekhaefer, who fondly called him “his problem child.” (A title Ron carried with great pride.) After returning from Florida, Ron dedicated nearly 40 years to Oshkosh Truck Corp, working in the yard and driving truck until retirement.

Throughout his life, Ron collected several nicknames. Around Oshkosh, he was well known as Juicer (Juice) or Ronnie Good Guy, “heavy on the good guy,” as he’d always remind you. Up north, visiting the Mountain area, a few locals knew him as “Barefoot Charlie.” As he never liked wearing shoes if he didn’t have to.

Ron was an avid hunter, a proud member of the Pheasants Forever Club, and the kind of fisherman who didn’t care if the fish were biting, as long as the company was good and the beer was cold.

He loved the Green Bay Packers, even on the days they tested his patience. Hunting up north with the boys, where the stories got taller each year. His beloved black labs: Smokey, Lucy, and Maggie, who were probably the best‑behaved creatures in his household. Camping with family, a tradition he cherished. Country music, especially Johnny Cash, who spoke to Ron’s soul. And of course, enjoying a cold one, preferably shared with family and good friends.

Ron could often be found at his favorite local watering holes Bob's Trails End, Stanley's Bar, Stadium Bar, Rumlows, Utechs, and the Westward Ho, where he and “the boys” made it their personal mission to paint the town red. Ron was always ready with a joke, a story, or a comment that might make you laugh, blush, or both.

For all his antics, jokes, and adventures, Ron’s proudest accomplishment was always his family. He loved his children fiercely and leaves behind a legacy full of laughter, grit, kindness, and unforgettable stories. Anyone who knew Ron knew this simple truth about his journey through life: he lived it fully, loudly, and entirely on his own terms.

And oh, what a journey it was.

A memorial service for Ron will be held on Friday March 27, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home-Eastside. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In keeping with Ron’s wishes, a celebration gathering will be held at Bob’s Trails End immediately after the service.

On behalf of Ron, the family would like to thank Lake Park Villa Assisted Living for the patience, care, love and support that they have given the last several years. They would also like to thank Preceptor Hospice for the gentle care, dignity, compassion and support they provided to Ron and the family during a very difficult time.