Ronald G. Fleming

Ronald G. Fleming, 95 May 16, 1929 - February 1, 2025 “And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years." Ron is someone who had both many years in his life and joyful life in those years. On February 1, 2025, he passed away peacefully at his most recent home, Lakeside Villa in Phillips WI. Because of all the “life in his years” Ron had many great stories to tell. Here is his story: Ronald Fleming was born on to Helen (nee Fleischman) and George Fleming. He was born at home in Kaiser, a sawmill area and former town west of Park Falls WI. When Ron was 6, his family moved to Fifield where he grew up and attended the Fifield School. All except for his last few years of High School took place in Fifield, and he graduated from Park Falls Lincoln High School in 1948. Upon Ron’s Graduation he worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department (now called the DNR) on Fire control and telephone maintenance as the Conservation Department had their own phone system at the time. From 1951-1953, Ron served in the Army. He served in Germany during the Korean War. He was away from direct combat but the situation between Communist East Germany and West Germany was potentially explosive then. Ron would share stories about tense patrols in the snow, and also of peeling way too many potatoes for the Mess Hall. Upon leaving the Army, Ron returned to work for the Wisconsin Conservation Department where he worked until his retirement in 1984. He was “out the door in ‘84” and free to pursue his dream of keeping draft horses. But there is more to tell about his life before then. In 1954, Ronald married Irene Janos. The pair had 2 sons: Terry and Ted Fleming. The family had a small dairy on Chada Road and sold milk to the cheese factory in Fifield. They also raised guinea hens, pigs, rabbits, ducks, geese, and chickens. It was the chickens that were mentioned the most: when Ron was done with visiting a friend, he would always say he needed to feed the chickens. That was his reason to leave without a long good bye. The chicks and goslings where eventually all named after his two grand-daughters: Rachel and Mari. Though Ron retired he always worked, gardening (especially growing potatoes and pumpkins), making hay, tending the animals, fixing harnesses and helping his family and many friends. After his retirement draft horses were rarely absent from his farm. His favorite of the many he kept through the years were Toby and Tonto, two spotted Belgians. Ronald drove all over to attend horse pull competitions. Ron was active in the community as a Mason, Fifield Volunteer Fire Fighter, and Legion Member, in addition to being a good friend and neighbor. Ron especially enjoyed working at the annual Fifield’s Firemen’s Ball. Ron also enjoyed driving around, spending time with his grand-daughters, catching up with friends, and watching sports. Ron always had a story to tell. Sadly, Ron’s story has come to its end. Here are those he lost and those relatives he left behind: Ron is survived by his two sons: Terry Fleming and Ted (Therese) Fleming, his two grand-daughters: Rachel (Connor) Livingston and Mari (Jeff) Rominske, his brother Roger Fleming, nephew Randy Fleming; niece Linda (Bill) Hoffman; numerous great-nieces and nephews; dear cousins; and his especially caring caregivers. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents George and Helen; his sister Cupie (Bertha); his mother-in-law and father-in-law Justina and Joseph Janos; brother-in-law Joe Janos; sister-in-law Grace Fleming; brother-in-law Jerry Hammond; and nephew Kurt Hammon and niece Debbie Fleming. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday February 7, 2025 at Birch Street Funeral Service Chapel in Park Falls. Rev. Gary Ludholz will officiate. Burial at Forest Home Cemetery in Fifield with Military Honors under the auspices of the Fifield American Legion Post will follow. A visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00am until the hour of the service at the funeral home. Please remember Ron’s stories if you’ve heard them and find comfort in sharing them if the opportunity comes up. Everyone needs to have a good-natured storyteller like Ron Fleming in their lives. Be that person for your family and friends. In lieu of cards and donations, please spend time sharing stories with your loved ones.