Ronald Howard Thiry

Ronald Howard Thiry, 75, a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, cherished brother and friend, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025 in Appleton, WI. He was born on April 22, 1949 in Duluth, MN to the late Clifford and Barbara (Palmer) Thiry. After graduating from Duluth Central High School in 1967, Ron enlisted in the US Navy. He trained as a GMG2 and proudly served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS King DLG10 Missile Destroyer until 1971. His work with Ditch Witch of Minnesota brought him and his family to Appleton in 1976. After working at Ditch Witch Midwest for 15 years, Ron became self-employed working as a telecommunications contractor, retiring in 2006. During retirement he fulfilled his passion for welding by designing and building utility trailers. Ron enjoyed fishing, camping, 4-wheeling, traveling, bonfires, and sending his family on vacation even when he could no longer travel. Above all else, Ron's greatest joy was his family.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Sandra (Ullberg) Thiry, whom he married on June 20, 1970, his daughters Shawn (Dean) Tassone and Sarah (Jamie) Stillwell, grandchildren Nic Tassone, Noel (Jordan) Doule, Cassidy Tassone, Charlie Stillwell and Sam Stillwell, great-grand daughters Scarlett and Sienna Doule, brothers Roger (LuAnn) Thiry, Mike (Kim) Thiry, sister Lori (Barry) Angel, sister in law Bobbi (Jim) Craig, cousin in law Jerry (Julie) Isaacson, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly, and friends that were like family John Tassone, Dennis Stillwell, Eric Hanson, Richard "Scottie” Scott, Tom Wettengel, Duane Holden, and so many others that he held close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ken Thiry and Gary Thiry, great niece Scarlett Fougner, good friends Dennis and Mary Anderson, and many other extended family members and friends that he loved.

An informal Prayer Service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, February 28th, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Valley Funeral Home in Appleton. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. In accordance with Ron's wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life immediately following the prayer service at Valley Funeral Home. 

The family would like to extend gratitude to the staffs at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton and Little Chute Health Services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wisconsin Patriot Guard Riders.

~We love you so much and will miss you always. Love, Sandy, Shawn, and Sarah~

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