Ronald "Ron" Clarence LaCanne

Racine – Ronald Clarence LaCanne, age 74, passed away at his home on Thursday afternoon, September 25, 2014 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Ron was born in Racine on September 15, 1940 to the late Clarence and Julia (nee: Fornary) LaCanne. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1958. Immediately following, Ron went on to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Army from 1958 – 1961, spending the last 2 years in Alaska. He graduated from University of Wisconsin – Parkside in 1976 with a degree in Accounting.

On June 15, 1963 in Holy Name Catholic Church, Ron was united in marriage with the love of his life, Eileen Marie (nee: Eichler). He was employed by SC Johnson & Son for many years, retiring as a Director of Global Marketing. Constantly working to enhance the lives of others, Ron was active with the United Way and Racine County Opportunity Center. He was also a lifetime advocate of the Republican Party. Among his interests, Ron enjoyed model ship building, working in his yard, cooking, Peter Sellers & War movies, cheering on the Packers & Cubs, was an extreme history buff, and was basically a walking encyclopedia with the impressive amount of facts & knowledge stored in his memory. Above all, Ron was all about family…..always choosing to be surrounded by his loved ones over anything else in the world.

Surviving are his loving wife of over 51 years, Eileen; daughter, Sue LaCanne; son, Christopher (Elise) LaCanne; former son-in-law, Joe Hanneman; adored grandchildren, Stevie, Samantha & Ruby Hanneman; Geoffrey and Joshua LaCanne; sister, Barbara (William) Ernst; brothers-in-law, Allen (Rae) Eichler, Mike (Sandi) Eichler, Don Eichler and Kevin Eichler; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (John) Schoenknecht; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his beloved son, Patrick LaCanne (of whom passed away on October 5, 2002); and by Eileen’s parents, Alex and Gertrude (nee: Proeber) Eichler.

A Memorial Service celebrating Ron’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 6:00 pm. Military honors will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-6 pm. Private entombment will take place in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Ryan Engel for the amazing medical care and friendship extended after Ron was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer 12 years ago; and to Wheaton Franciscan Hospice  for the compassionate end-of-life care and support given in Ron’s time of need. May God bless all of you!