Ronald Krenz Akin Phd

Born in New London, WI on May 18, 1937, to George and Esther Akin. He married Kenlynn Mae Heydon on June 25, 1960 in Madison, WI. Kenlynn was his cheerleading sweetheart where they met “on the court” and never were apart again. They were approaching 62 years of togetherness and love. He attended Hortonville Senior High School, then Oshkosh State College. He later graduated from Northern Michigan with his master's degree, followed by his PhD from Indiana University. Ron earned ten athletic letters in four sports while attending Hortonville High School. He led his football and basketball teams in scoring, playing in several conference championships while winning the honor of Boys Senior Athlete. He then attended Oshkosh State College, achieving eight athletic letters in track and basketball. He placed in all four WI State Conference meets and was the basketball team’s Captain and leading scorer his junior year. He began his teaching and coaching career at Reedsville High School. They won two conference championships and several tournaments. There was only one division in Wisconsin high school basketball. His team beat De Pere in the Sectionals eventually losing to Manitowoc who won the State Tournament. He also started a boy’s track team at Reedsville High School. He then moved to Chilton, WI continuing to teach and coach. Following his pursuit of a Doctorate Degree, Ron was on the staff at UW-Oshkosh where he was a Full Professor plus; he coached basketball, cross country, and track & field over a span of 29 years. His track teams brought many All-American athletes (13) and one National Champion (Max Harn – Berlin, WI). Ron eventually was named Track & Field Coach of the year in the WSUC. Ron was inducted into the UW-Oshkosh Hall of Fame in 1986 for his tremendous accomplishments as an athlete and coach. His academic interests in teaching younger people at UW-Oshkosh were significant. He developed academic curriculum for the Therapeutic Recreation Program. He also served as Chairman of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department and chaired many committees at UW-Oshkosh. Ron also had been active in many community organizations. He volunteered as Boy Scout Cub Master, Special Olympics, the Oshkosh YMCA, and the Oshkosh Parks Advisory Committee. He managed Camp Marietta at Lawrence University which he led for many summers. He was very active in Oshkosh churches serving on councils and committees. He was a current member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Oshkosh. He was also President of the National “O” Club at UW-Oshkosh. His Breweriana collectible hobby included memberships to NABA and ABA where he frequented conventions often. He was also an active member in the Trout Unlimited group to uphold stream habitat. Ron’s great love was his dedication to his family. He enjoyed sharing with them America’s West, along with Hawaii & New York City. He also enjoyed immensely the family cottage in Forest County where he fished and hunted. He spent much time fishing trout on the Wolf River and hunted deer and ruffed grouse. Ron was blessed to be able to hunt and fish throughout North America including Alaska, Manitoba, Ontario, Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota. With his beloved wife, Kenlynn, they were able to enjoy Europe, Mexico, Canada and most all the 50 states. We all celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Ronald also enjoyed gardening, cooking, bonfires, Broadway Theaters, sunsets, working with stained glass and quiet family time. Since his retirement in 1994, one of his keen interests was to learn the history of the Oshkosh & Hortonville Breweries. He shared his collections, donating a large collection to the National Breweriana Museum in Potosi, WI. He made many presentations and publications of the history of the Oshkosh Breweries. He also co-authored a sold-out book, “The Breweries of Oshkosh – Their Rise & Fall.” Ronald was preceded in death by his mother and father George and Esther Akin, his in-laws Orland and Alice Heydon, his brother George (Joey) Akin Jr. and his brother-in-law Charles Kubitz. Ronald is survived by his beloved wife Kenlynn and three children David (Paula) Rhinelander, WI, Daniel (Judy) Marshfield, WI, and Julie (Peter) Steinert Kohler, WI. Grandchildren Zachary (Leah Carpenter) Akin, Apple Valley, MN, Jacob Akin (special friend Leah Martin) San Jose, CA, Ben (Nicole) Steinert Minneapolis, MN, Chelsea (Jeff) Patnode Bloomington, MN, Christian Steinert Columbus, OH and Nick Akin Plymouth, MN. Plus, his brand-new gift from God Great Granddaughter Sadie Rose Patnode. He is also survived by his two sisters and nieces and nephews: Susan (John) Nielsen Alliance, OH (Steve & Toni, Christine and Chris, Anne and Matt) and Carolyn Kubitz Hilton Head Island, SC (Kim and Tom, Kubi and Tree). Ron’s family would like to thank Dr. Weston Radford, staff at Aspire Memory Care – Oshkosh, WI including; Shawnee and her RN Staff, as well Moments Hospice Care. The funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation prior to the service Saturday April 9, 2022, from 10:00 – 11:30 with a service officiated by Reverend Doug Holtz to follow at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2580 W. Ninth Avenue – Oshkosh, WI 54904. In lieu of flowers a Memorial Fund will be established by the family.

Ronald Krenz Akin Phd

May 18, 1937 - March 21, 2022

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