Kolton, Ronald C.Ronald Casmier Kolton, 71, died on Sunday, January 1, 2017 surrounded by love from his wife and three children after a one and a half year battle with cancer.Ron is preceded in death by his mother Mary (Wesolowski) Kolton, father Casmier Kolton, and wife Sharon (Cepress) Kolton. He is survived by his wife Patricia Kolton of Dublin, OH, children Sheila (Garrick) DeMeyer of Wausau, Michelle (Logan) Mackay of Madison, Michael (Megan) Kolton of Green Bay, grandchildren Isabella and Emma DeMeyer of Wausau, Maxwell and Audrey Mackay of Madison, Ali and Lainey Kolton of Green Bay, his brother Larry (Carolyn) Kolton of Schofield, nieces and nephews Chris Kolton of Wittenburg and Jesse (Molly) Kolton of Elkhorn, his step-son Dan (Michelle) Worby and granddaughter Madison of Dublin, OH.He was born on November 13, 1945 in Wausau. He graduated from DC Everest High School in 1963 and enrolled in the US Marines, serving from 1963 - 1967. He was stationed in Vietnam in active duty. After serving in the war he returned to Wausau, where he met his first wife Sharon, thanks to his sister-in-law Carolyn and brother Larry. He married her on June 6, 1970. Ron built a wonderful family life in Wausau with Sharon and had three children. He was an active member of St. Mary's Parish, serving many years as an usher. He belonged to the VFW, served as Post Commander, and frequented their fish frys. He was also a member of the Wausau Elks Lodge No. 248. Ron built a cottage on Little Papoose Lake in Manitowish Waters and the family spent most summer weekends "Up North." He enjoyed spending time with all of his kids. He provided much fatherly advice, always helped with school work, coached sports teams, taught his kids a proper salute and a firm handshake, and attended all of his kids' school events. During other free time, he enjoyed "pumping iron", watching a good army picture or westerns, watching wrestling, listening to the oldies, or just finding some work that needed to be done outside or around the house. He worked at GTE for many years, starting with laying cable and transitioning to engineer. He studied at Mount Senario College for a Bachelors Degree in Business, graduated in 1984, and instilled the importance of higher education to his children as he received this degree while working and being a dad. He also taught classes at North Central Technical College in Business. Ron retired in 2000 to enjoy time with his wife Sharon who died later that year.After this hardship, Ron found strength to continue to live life. He met Pat Kolton, and on August 17, 2002, they married. They continued to have residence in Wausau, but established a second home in Dublin, Ohio. He worked in his early "retirement" years as a substitute teacher for the Wausau School District and at Sears providing his sound advice in appliance sales.In retirement, Ron enjoyed staying active with weight-lifting and walks. He loved his three poodles: Mikko, Itty Bitty, and Sammy, who orbited him as the alpha. He loved going out for breakfast and the excitement of a rummage sale. He would frequently call his family to "check-in". He could strike up a conversation with anyone and always had a strong presence. He loved his family unconditionally, and found the greatest joy in life by being the loving, charismatic, fun, wonderful Grandpa Ron to his grandchildren.The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 13, 2017 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Alan Burkhardt will preside. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter, with full military honors conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a Past Commander Memorial Service led by the VFW, Wausau at 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com