Ronald Lech

Ronald Lech, 88, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 19, 2026 surrounded by what mattered most in his life, family and music, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. He was born on December 20, 1937 to Adolph and Eleanor (Barnish) Lech. He grew up in Chicago, IL, and graduated from St. Philip High School.

From the age of 15, Ron learned from his uncle, Frank Lech, how to play the concertina. As a professional Chemnitzer concertina musician, he shared his love of the concertina with others, teaching and promoting the concertina for over 73 years. Ron led his band, the Polka Jesters, and backed up polka acts like Li’l Wally, the Bohemian American Club of Chicago, and Jim Herda’s Concertina Club. He honed his talent in the bars, nightclubs, and lounges of Chicago. He was always ready to drive any distance to participate in the next jam just so he could be playing. Ron always looked forward to seeing who he called “the nicest people in the world”, the whole group of concertina players. Ron was elected as member # 118 into the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame in 1998.

With a great sense of humor, Ron was always energetic, loving, hardworking, gracious and kind. Ron is survived by his wife, Marlene (nee Kizewski), and his brother, Richard (Dolores) Lech. Nephews, Richard and Nathaniel Lech.

He is survived by his children, Gino (Debra) Lech, Cindy (Dave) Jensen, Vincent Lech, Rhonda (Dave) Schilling, Jackie Gabriel and Baltazar Luna, and Jennie (Jeff) Sapiega, Steve Marquard, Sally (Mark) Hulsey, Sue (Tony) Pukrop, Shari (Scott) Sommers, Robin Marquard, and Renee Vaughn. He is also survived by his 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Celebration of Life for Ronald will be held at a later date. 

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Lech Family.