Service Details
Services celebrating Ron’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 6:00PM. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 3:00PM – 6:00PM with a time of sharing memories of Ron at 5:45PM.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family who will have a park bench placed at Ives Grove Golf Course in Ron’s memory.
Ronald Dean Hart (Ron), 81, passed away on June 25, 2025 at Christmas Mountain Golf Course in Wisconsin Dells, doing what he loved.
Ron was born on May 12, 1944 in Black River Falls, WI to Bernard and Agnes (nee: Hoffman) Hart. He attended elementary school in Alma Center and graduated from Alma Center Lincoln High School in 1962. At Alma Center HS, he played football, baseball, track, volleyball, and basketball. In 1961 and 1962 Ron was all-conference in both baseball and basketball. Ron married Patricia Ann Gilbertson in 1964, divorced 1971. Ron married Deb Briwick in Las Vegas, 1992. Ron worked for Racine Steel Castings for 6 years, serving on the Local 553 executive committee and serving as Chief Steward. He was the General Manager at Land Reclamation LTD from 1970 until retiring in 1994. Ron was proudly elected Alderman of the 14th district of the City of Racine in 1992 and served his district for 24 years. He served as City Council President from 2000-2002. He was a member of, or chaired multiple committees, most proudly serving on the finance committee and president of the Water and Wastewater commission. In 1995, Ron started working at Ives Grove golf course as their head greens keeper. He took that role very seriously and was checking his crew’s work just days before he passed. Ron played for the Racine Raiders from 1963 to 1975 and was voted “all league” 9 times. He wore jersey number 75, which the Raiders retired in 1986. Ron was inducted into the American Football Association Hall of Fame in 1993, Minor League Football Association in 1995. He was inducted into the American Football League Association as an official in 2007. He was recruited by and tried out for the New York Jets in 1969. Ron started officiating football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and swimming in 1970, retiring in 2022, after 50+ years. He also officiated Racine Raider games as crew chief from 1988 to 1999.
He is survived by his wife, Deb; sons, Randy (Chris) and Patrick (Tammy); brothers, Ray (Peggy) and Jerome (Sheila); sisters, Bernice (Larry), Barb (Dave), and Diane (Tony). Ron was the Best Ever Grandpa to Mitch (Ellie), Madison (Logan), Dakota (Julie), and Zachary (Nitzy); and the best great Papa to Logan, Sophia, David, Belle, and Luna. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and many dear friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Julie (Jason); brothers, Bob (Susie) and Gilbert (Annette), and sister, Arlene.
Dave Hebert says
Privileged to play Ron’s last round with him. He finished doing what he loved… hitting a drive.
Though he was my brother-in-law, Ron was more like a big brother to me. Always kind. Always upbeat. Always fun to be around. Everyone—and I mean EVERYONE — wanted to be Ron’s friend. Not surprising. We will all surely miss his laughter and friendship. “Go with God,” Brother.
Chuck Daceno Jr. says
Ron was a wonderful man and a tremendous athlete. Playing softball with and against him was always memorable. Working at Racine Steel Castings with him, I saw what a very strong man he truly was. Rest in eternal peace Ron. Chuck Daceno Jr.
Bill and Shirley Arnold says
We have known Ron for many years. I played with Ron for the Raiders. He was also a good friend and we had many good years with him.
Our sincere sympathies to Deb and all the family.
Sincerely,
Bill and Shirley Arnold
Lake Wales FL
Tom Karkow says
I was privileged to know Ron from my news reporting days with WRJN, as well as Toys For Tots. He was always gracious and accommodating. What a life. Condolences to the family.
King says
A life well lived. I can hear him laughing while playing that golf course in the sky! Vaya con dios. My sincere condolences to the family 🙏
Ron and Sue Anton says
+Played with Ron on the Raiders. He was a great guy and teammate. He was a great
football player.
Our sympathy to his family.
Tom and Joyce Kierstyn says
Ron and Deb were wonderful neighbors on Republic Ave years ago. He was Alderman in my Father’s district as well and was kind enough to check in on him when Dad was in ill health. Ron was pkain and simply a gentleman.
RIP
Marilyn Thygeson says
My thoughts are with you. Hugs, Marilyn
Diane Schacht says
I had the privilege of knowing Ald. Hart when I worked for the City of Racine. He was always a gentleman and went out of his way to help anyone who needed it.
He will be missed!
Chris dorf says
Before ‘Refrigerator Perry’s ran in for a touchdown, Ron did it!
You gave me many memories as a child playing for the Raiders.
Bob Factor says
Officiated many games with Ron. Great guy on and off the sports arena. A true friend. My condolences Deb. RIP Ron.
Dennis W. says
That’s too bad. I used to think Ron was as corrupt as any of the good old boys, but he was so much more than that.
Mary McIlvaine says
I very much enjoyed working with Ron when he was Alder. He was such a nice man. I don’t think anyone who knew him could dislike him. He will surely be missed, but what a lot of great memories to share!