Ronald E. Kissinger

Ronald Earl Kissinger, beloved father, husband, son, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 surrounded by family on August 24th, 2026.

Born August 9, 1938, to Earl and Viola (Hansen) Kissinger, Ron spent his childhood and young adulthood in Madison, Wi., graduating from Madison West High School and later earning his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

A proud member of the legal profession and Wisconsin State Bar Association for over 60 years, Ron began his career in private practice in Whitewater before moving to Marshfield upon joining the law firm of Stauber, Dehn, Wynia, and Kissinger. Later moving into private practice, he blended his private practice work while also serving his community for many years as Marshfield City Attorney.

In private, his family and friends were privy to and the beneficiaries of his dry wit, fierce independent streak, generosity, and unwavering dedication to: Wisconsin Badger athletics, the Philadelphia Phillies, chocolate donuts, questionable meal selections, the Wisconsin State Journal (paper form only), a buy and hold stock market strategy, crossword puzzles, a meticulous avoidance of new technology, and his treasured weekly game of Dirty Clubs with his brother, cousin, and friends during retirement.

Ron is survived by his brother, Ken Kissinger of Verona, WI, his children Daniel B. Kissinger of Columbia, MO., Amy (Jim) Gothard of Cottage Grove, WI, Kathleen (Glenn) Hansen of Lincolnshire, IL, and Lachlan Keith of Boyton Beach, FL, grandchildren Mitchell and Marianna Gothard and James and Charlie Hansen, great grandchild Jaelen Gothard, and niece Sarah (Jarrett) Calhoun. He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved spouses Elizabeth “Betsy” (Rice) Kissinger and Patricia A. (Breidenstein/Keith) Kissinger, son Cameron Keith, and nephew David Kissinger.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the entire Fort Memorial Hospital medical staff, and especially Dr. Alquinto, Dr. Gyamfi, nurses Kellie, Meghan, & Nathalie, and the CNAs for the excellent medical care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Ron and his family while he was in their care.

A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Memorials in his name may be sent to the Ronald E. and Patrica Kissinger Surgical Oncology Research Professorship or the Cameron G. Keith Memorial Scholarship fund via the University of Wisconsin Foundation.