Ronald Paul Ziebell's Obituary
Ronald Paul Ziebell
August 28, 1946 – August 3, 2024
Ron passed away peacefully at his home in Oshkosh on August 3, 2024. Born in Oshkosh, he grew up attending schools in both Oshkosh and Omro, graduating from Omro high school in 1964. He spent two and a half years attending UW-Oshkosh while working evenings in the print room at Oshkosh Truck. He then transferred to UW-Madison where he earned an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969. At that time, he accepted an engineering role with Oshkosh Truck, the company with which he would spend his entire 43-year career in numerous positions of increasing responsibility, including the final 25 years in various vice president roles. While there, he also completed an MBA and obtained his Professional Engineer license. This career took him around the world, which he very much enjoyed, and accumulated countless stories while doing so. He was very proud to represent Oshkosh Truck.
It was at Oshkosh Truck in 1969 that he met Nancy Gwinn, the love of his life. They married on April 15, 1972, later welcoming son Steve and daughter Caryn. He retired in 2012 and was then able to focus on his hobbies and grandchildren. He set a great example by being physically active well into his 70s, participating in events like Race the Lake (bicycling), Race the Fox (kayaking) and 20k runs. He also enjoyed trout fishing, golfing and hiking. He and son Steve took several back-country hiking trips, and Ron enjoyed taking granddog Burt pheasant hunting at public lands. In retirement, Ron found volunteering for the DNR very rewarding, doing stream maintenance and wolf monitoring.
Ron was known for his drive and determination and ability to succeed in the face of adversity. But more than anything Ron’s devotion to his family was immeasurable. He welcomed the opportunity to support his family members in any activity in which they took part, and took great satisfaction in doing the things that assured their safety and well-being. He loved them deeply.
He was the most devoted husband, proud dad and grandfather. Despite a busy work schedule when his kids were growing up, he was always present and involved. He coached sports teams for both of his kids, came to every sporting event he could, created fun traditions, and cheered his family on in every possible way. He later did the same for his granddaughters, and took great joy in watching them compete in sports and perform in musical activities.
Ron is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Steven (Amy) Ziebell and Caryn (Brian) Thal; and granddaughters, Addison and Isla Thal. In addition, he is survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lois Ziebell, Francis (Lois) Gwinn, Patricia Gwinn, Charlotte Gwinn, Barbara Hollrith, James Gwinn, and David (Mary) Gwinn; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ruth (Bloedorn) Ziebell; older brother, Richard Ziebell; sister-in-law, Patrice Gwinn; brothers-in-law, Paul Hollrith and William Gwinn; and mother-in-law, Mary Gwinn.
Funeral services will be at Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Homes, Westhaven Drive in Oshkosh. Visitation will be from 1– 4pm on Friday, August 16, followed by a 4pm prayer service. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Ron’s memory.
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