Ronald John Steiner

Ronald John Steiner "Coach," age 77 of Stevens Point, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 31, 2015. The gentle hand of Jesus tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Ron, we have a tee time at 4:40 p.m."

Ron was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan, to the late Rudolph and Julia (Merhalski) Steiner. He proudly talked of his childhood and practically living on the baseball field. It was the only time someone had to call him in for lunch. He laughed at the stories of his youth, where his brother Gary chopped wood while he sat and played his guitar under a tree.

Ron's personal interests were many. He built several homes, including his home with Jayne, in the Stevens Point area. He loved sports and played most musical instruments; and was an artist who painted many pictures. He watched most football games with the Prince Clan for 40 years. His absolute passion was golf, as he enjoyed his last games of golf with his brother Gary and brother-in-law Jerry at his winter home in Fort Myers, Florida.

Ron was an optimist, even in times of adversity, lifting spirits around him with his humor and big belly laughs; always reminding those around him that if you have the Lord in your life, you've got it made. He had nicknames for almost everyone, like "Jean the Machine," "Bon Bon," "Tom the Bomb," "Ter the Bear" and "Susie Q."

Ron graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1956 and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959. He went on to Winona State College, where he earned his Master of Science degree. Ron was an instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for 30 years.

Ron was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame in May of 1999. He was regarded as one of the best all-around athletes produced at Iron Mountain High School, having earned 12 varsity letters and was a prep All-American football pick. He earned three letters in basketball and football at the University of Wisconsin and helped the Badgers win the Big Ten Title and a Rose Bowl berth in 1960.

Ron spent 30 years as a football coach and was WSUC Coach of the Year at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1977. He had also coached baseball in Stevens Point.

Ron retired from UW-SP after 30 years of teaching, but his career was far from over. He worked at Tree Acres Golf Course for many years, teaching Youth Golf and working around the course. He was at home on the golf course and often said that he wouldn't mind dying on the golf course. He also owned Steiner Sales, working as a window distributor.

Ron is re-united in Heaven with his beloved parents and his step-daughter, Tami Clara.

Ron married Patricia Ring after college. They later divorced. He married Jayne Shelbrack on Oct. 5, 1985, and helped raise her two small children and was the best Dad in the world.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jayne Mary; his daughter, Theresa "Terri" (Mark) Wachowiak; stepson, Tom Joseph (Angel) Stubinski; three grandsons, Nathan (Danielle), Jacob and Josh Wachowiak; four step-grandsons, Cody Michael John Tokarski and Tanner John Stubinski (both were given their Papa's middle name), twins Jonah Brady and Elijah Brady Stubinski; and three step-granddaughters, Mariah (Jake), Faith and Bekah Stubinski. He loved each of them for their uniqueness and loved hearing about their accomplishments; and was very proud of each of them. Ron is also survived by his dear brothers, Gary (Nancy) and Rudy Junior "Duds" (Debbie).

The family would like to thank the wonderful workers at Harmony Living Center for the kindness and care received from them: Alissa, Mariah, Zak and dear Manwella, and the rest who went out of their way to make Ron's last days comfortable. Thank you Ray and Jim for being entertaining table mates.

A special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Jones, a very special man. Also, a very special thank you to Gary Rotherham, Jerry Toftum and Tom Prince. You were there always with your wonderful patience and understanding and love for Ron. Thank you, Ministry Hospice, for your kind and wonderful care.

Thank you to our family and friends for your support. You know who you are. Thank you, Ken Lindstrom, for 77 years of a beautiful friendship. Thank you, Terri, Mark and Tom and Angel, for loving and caring for your Dad.

"Ron, remember what you told me D.K.T.P.F. I will work hard to be a good person so I can join you in Heaven. I love you…forever." J.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be directed to a Children's Fund for the children of St. Joseph's School in Stevens Point.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 800 Fourth Avenue in Stevens Point. The Rev. Arul Joseph V. will officiate. Visitation will be in the St. Faustina Room at the church on Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time for Mass.

Pisarski Funeral Homes & Cremation Center are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.