Ronald E. Callender

Please note: Service location has changed to Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in Onalaska.

Ronald E. Callender, 68 of Sumner, IA, and formerly of Onalaska, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 in Rochester, MN following a brief battle with illness.

Ron was born August 17, 1957 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the son of Robert E. Callender and Jewel H. (Wuerger) Callender. He was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay in 1972.

Ron graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1975, he then went on to UW – Platteville earning his BS in Engineering. Later, in 1995, via correspondence, while working fulltime, he earned his Master’s degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from National Technological University in Fort Collins, CO. In his youth, Ron represented the state of Wisconsin in the National Soap Box Derby with a car he built himself.

He married Ramona Eder on November 14, 1981, at Faith United Methodist. Their daughter Lyz was born in 1984 and son Ryan in 1986.

Ron worked as a Manufacturing Engineer at Honeywell in Freeport, IL for 26 years and then at Trane Company in La Crosse, WI for 15 years, retiring May 31, 2021. While working for Honeywell, Ron travelled the world.

He especially loved the outdoors: hunting, camping, kayaking, snowmobiling, and golf. Ron could be found daily in his shop tinkering with something. Ron was the handyman for all (especially his children). From building/renovating houses to custom made projects and installing flooring, to fixing plumbing and electrical issues, Ron could do it all. Ron loved to travel, his favorite trips were to Hawaii, Alaska, and Italy. Ron spent a majority of his retired years with his family, travelling to see his son’s family in Kansas, then helping them move to the Nashville area. ‘Papa’ was his favorite title.

Ron was on the Orangeville community school board for 9 years. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Tripoli, IA. He was active in his men’s bible study, a member of the church choir, and a trustee involved with church maintenance. Ron was also a member of the River City Corvette Club, during his 14-year membership he held offices as secretary and then president. Ron was a member of Meadowbrook Country Club, playing in the couple’s golf league with his daughter. Ron volunteered with many organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

Ron was faithful servant all his life, always kind, caring, and generous. He took care of everyone in his life.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ramona; children, Lyz Schmitz and Ryan (Shiela) Callender; grandson Reid Callender; grand fur babies Tucker and Milton Schmitz; father-in-law Ray Eder; sisters Bonnie (Willam) Bell and Barb (Paul) Paulowski; nieces and nephews, Nicole (Adam), Chris (Kirby), Megan, and Anne; and several great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ron in death are his parents, his mother-in-law Irma Eder, and his daughter-in-law Jerica Callender.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM, Friday, February 27, 2026 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska. Funeral service to follow at 11:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport, IL at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.