Ronald John Nussbaum

Ronald John Nussbaum, age 92, passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born, the first of four children, on January 18, 1933, to John and Regina (Riemer) Nussbaum in Ellington, WI. He graduated from Shiocton High School, where he played football. April 12, 1953, marked a special day for Ronald, it was the day he met the love of his life Dolores Van Handel at the Cinderella Ballroom. On all accounts, it was truly love at first sight! On September 1, 1955, they married and began their family with the birth of their first son. With time, they filled their home with 8 more children. Ron and Dolores were regular attenders at the churches in which they were involved. Their faith was important to them both, and they both sought to live their lives in accordance with their beliefs.

Together Ronald and Dolores enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their home was always filled with people and with love. They also enjoyed travel and were able to visit all 48 of the continental states. Dancing (a nod to their fortuitous meeting) was always a joy for them and they also enjoyed quiet Sunday drives for an ice cream cone. Ron and Dolores loved to snowmobile, and Ron was a member of the Green Knights Snowmobile Club and it’s offshoot gang the “Out-Pac Riders” a group of friends who put miles and miles on their snowmobiles. Ron’s sense of humor was wonderful, and he occasionally would get into trouble with it. He was notorious for pranking his coworkers.

Ron began his work career as a Farm Implement Salesman, and moved into a ten-year span at Center Valley Co-Op. His longest tenure was working for Calnin and Goss as a chief mechanic for 37 years. A hard worker by nature, when the family outgrew their first home in Appleton, they built a five-bedroom house on the north side of town. Over the years, many garages were added. Ron built trailers, snowmobile grooming equipment, wood splitters, driveway gates, pool tables, miscellaneous yard art and other outdoor items. He enjoyed building things for others. He was a hands-on guy who would figure out how to build just about anything.

Ronald is survived by his children: John (Lori Phillips) Nussbaum, William Nussbaum, Karen Kaphingst, Jean (Patrick) Coniff, David (Donna) Nussbaum, Mark Nussbaum, Daniel (Diana) Nussbaum, Mary (Patrick) Mulroy, Tom (Shari) Nussbaum; grandchildren: Heather (Travis) Trader, Angela (Collin) Kaas, Katie (Curt) Becker, Casey (Jeffrey) Kohl, Amy (Matthew) Lott, Jed (Gina) Nussbaum, Eric (Danielle) Kaphingst, Brian (Maranda) Nussbaum, Dr. Christina Nussbaum, Toni (Luca) Rescigno, Ali (Nick) Murphy, Mitchell (Taylor) Mulroy, Ryan (Sydney) Nussbaum, Jessica Nussbaum, Kylie Mulroy, Sarah Nussbaum, Rachel (Lake) Peters, Jacob Mulroy, Aaron Nussbaum, and Rebecca Nussbaum; great grandchildren: Kesyanda Trader, Sebastian Trader, Katie Kohl, Logan Trader, Cavin Becker, Tyson Kaas, Camryn Becker, Alyvia Trader, Halie Kohl, Tucker Kaas, Brennan Nussbaum, Talia Kaas, Jocelyn Lott, Elliana Rescigno, Soren Rescigno, Nolan Lott, Brooks Kaphingst, Pierce Kaphingst, Annabelle Worthington, Bryson Worthington, Eliza Mulroy, Paisley Nussbaum, and Austin Mulroy. He is further survived by brothers: Raymond Nussbaum and Robert (Mary Pat) Nussbaum; brothers-in-law: Marvin Van Handel, Tony (Kathy) Van Handel; sisters-in-law: Dorothy Plutz, Rosie Weiland, Margaret (Darwin Schwartz) Liebergen, Romae Van Handel as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores; his parents John and Regina Nussbaum; son-in-law David Kaphingst; daughters-in-law Lori Nussbaum and Julie Nussbaum; great grandson Isaac; his father and mother-in-law Joseph and Mary Van Handel; sister Cathy (Wallace) Coenen; brothers and sisters-in-law: Audrey Nussbaum, Arnold (Geraldine) Van Handel, Julia (Steve) Preisler, Irene (Philip) Schneidewend, Clarence (Mary) Van Handel, Gerald Plutz, Alois Van Handel, Norbert Van Handel, Robert Weiland and Ivo Liebergen as well as other relatives.

A funeral service for Ronald will take place on Friday June 6, 2025, at 11:00am at St Edward the Confessor-Mackville, N2926 WI 47, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:15am until mass begins. Ronald will be laid to rest at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Ron's memory.