Ronald J. Walters

Ronald J. Walters, 75, of the town of Texas, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family, and under the care of Interim Hospice.

He was born on September 5, 1950, in Wausau, to the late Frank and Helen (Thorn) Walters. Ron was united in marriage to Deborah Zimmerman on December 31, 1983, at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who deeply valued the life he built with Deb and their family.

Ron was a kidney transplant recipient multiple times throughout his life, receiving his first transplant in 1979. He carried a profound gratitude for the gift of life and the years he was able to share with those he loved.

He proudly partnered with his brother, Jim, in running the family farm for many years. Together with his wife and family, he experienced the hard work, risks, and rewards of dairy and beef farming, as well as crop production. Ron also served as a board member for AMPI for 15 years, a role that allowed him to travel and attend conferences—often bringing his family along and creating many meaningful memories together. Over the years, he held various jobs, including his longest tenure with L & L Propane. Ron enjoyed staying active and social—playing softball, bowling, and shooting pool at Homestead. Above all, he loved supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Samantha (Corey) Sanders, Melissa (Andrew) Krueger, Joe (Sam) Walters, and Tom Walters; grandchildren, Evelynn, Sophia, Asher, Hinley, Sylvia, Alaina, and Clancy; siblings, Mary Jo (Bob) Prahl, Terri Fronek, Jim (Kay) Walters, and Mike (Jean) Walters; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 611 Stark Street, Wausau, with Rev. Tom Lindner presiding. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. A celebration of life will follow the Mass at Homestead on Hwy 52 in Nutterville.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Restoring Hope Transplant House restoringhope.org/monetary-donations.html or the UW Health Transplant Patient and Family Support Fund https://www.wiscmedicine.org/transplant.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the team at Interim Hospice for their compassionate care and support, to Dr. Abrego with Marshfield Clinic Nephrology for his dedicated and attentive care, and to the staff at UW Hospital and Clinics in Madison for their exceptional care and guidance throughout Ron’s transplant journey over the years.