Racine – Ronald Allan Porter, 76, passed away at Becker-Shoop Center on Wednesday, June 1, 2011.

He was born in Racine on April 25, 1935, son of the late Norman Preston Porter and Irma Meta (nee: Harthun) Porter.  Ron graduated from Lutheran High School in 1953.  He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps.  Ron was united in marriage to the late Alice J. Nielsen in 1959 and together they had four children, all surviving: Lance (Sue) Porter of Sturtevant, WI, Kristal (Doug) Hubbard of Racine, Kari (Sanders) Hillis of Indianapolis, IN, Amy (Jeff) Lyrenmann of Freeport, IL.  On December 15, 1984, Ron married Jean Breitsprecher of Racine and gained three step-daughters:  Jerilyn Fox, Jan Vinslauski, Terri (David) Buckett, all of Racine. He was employed by Western Publishing as a Lithographer and retired in 1995 after 42 years.  Ron and Jean attended Grace Church in Racine.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, bowling and playing cribbage, but above all, Ron treasured spending time with his entire family.  Ron lived out the legacy of vacationing with his family in Pickerel Lake, WI for over 60 consecutive years.  He and Jean also enjoyed spending time at Lynx Lake in Presque Isle, WI.

Ron is survived by his wife of over 26 years, Jean; four children, three step-children, 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, June (Ted) Ricchio of Racine, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice (nee: Nielsen) Porter; son-in-law, David Fox; and special friends, Monnie Alstad and Jack Eifert.

A memorial service with full military honors will take place at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 11:00am, with Reverend Dan Petersen officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  A private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove at a later date.  The family has suggested memorials to Grace Church or Faith Community Church.

Ron's children would like to extend a loving thank you to their step-mother, Jean, for the unconditional love and excellent care she gave to their dad.  We love you!

The family would like to offer a special thank you to All Saints Hospice nurses, Lori and Ann; Brightstar Care-giver, Cathy; and Becker-Shoop nurse, Trista, for the loving care they gave to Ron during his illness.