Ronald “Ron” Earl Semrau

Ronald “Ron” Earl Semrau, 81, of Hazelhurst, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, with his wife, Cecile at his side.

Ron was born in Milwaukee, on September 11, 1942, to Reuben E. and Lucille E. (Olewinski) Semrau. He was raised in Milwaukee for a time before the family moved to Hazelhurst to own the Lost Forest Resort. Ron graduated in 1962 from Stratford High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1964 and proudly served his country until 1968. Ron was a former resident of Edgerton. He was united in marriage to Cecile Seely on September 15, 1999, in Rhinelander. Ron was employed with Verizon in Edgerton for many years and later transferred to Verizon in Minocqua which then became Frontier, retiring in the early 2000’s.

He was a past city council member in Edgerton, and an Edgerton Lions Club member. He is currently a member of the Hazelhurst Lions Club, and the Lakeland V.F.W. Post #7898.

Ron had a love for sailing and was self- taught. He especially enjoyed sailing on Lake Koshkonong and tried to be out on the lake every weekend. Ron enjoyed turtles, trips to the casino, fishing, and living in the Northwoods.

Surviving is his loving wife, Cecile, daughter, Sharon (Matt) Standke of Chandler, Ariz., three grandchildren, Allison, Tyler and Tori Standke, step-children, William (Dawn) Lock of Milton, and Norman (Cathy) Lock of Soap Lake, Washington, step-grandchildren, Mykayla (Ross) Perkins, Ryan Lock, and Josh (Stephanie) Lock, step-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Lock, Mykenna Perkins, and David Perkins, sister, Valerie Snetzanger of Converse, Texas, and special cousin, Grant (Joan) Semrau of Richfield. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation for Ron will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home, located at 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, from 11 a.m. until noon military honors. The honors will be conducted by the Northwoods Honor Guard and by two representatives from the United States Navy. Immediately following the military honors there will be the sharing of memories followed by a luncheon in the funeral home banquet room.

Inurnment will be held on Monday, Aug. 5, at 1 p.m. at the Northwoods National Cemetery, located at 4520 Lakewood Road, Harshaw.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.