Ronald Jack Sarna

Ronald Jack Sarna was born in Chicago, Illinois to Jack and Frances (Korenic) Sarna on May 28, 1945. Ron was middle brother to an older sister, Francyne and a younger brother, Bruce.

Ron’s family moved from the South side of Chicago in 1956 to Twin Lakes, WI. There they owned and operated an inn, Sarna’s Lazy Haven, on Lake Mary where Ron spent most of his days water skiing. Ron was also an avid snow skier, working at Wilmot Mountain for many years.  Ron graduated in 1964 from Wilmot High School. At Wilmot his classmates affectionately referred to him as “Hubba”. Ron was active in football and wrestling. He has continued to stay in touch with many of his classmates, enjoying monthly breakfast clubs or attending frequent reunions prior to moving to Oregon.

Ron attended University of Wisconsin River Falls and University of Wisconsin Parkside studying Sociology. Ron served his country from 1967-68 in the US Army in Vietnam. 

Ron met Patti in September of 1976 at the Basset HaHa. They were introduced by Vicki, Patti’s Mother. On September 22,1984, they were married at the Paul Swartz Nursery in Silver Lake, WI.  Patti will share that she loved Ron the minute she saw him. They built a rich and wonderful life together. They enjoyed riding bikes, cruising the lake by boat, playing scrabble and eating at their favorite restaurants

Ron’s daughter, Jaclyn Sarna (Joshua Bellamy), was born in July 1985, the apple of Ron’s eye! In 2020 Ron took on his most rewarding role and what would be his true calling as “Pa” to Truman and Leo.  He taught them the proper use of every tool in the box, shared gardening knowledge, bicycle and lawnmower repair and played whatever and whenever they wanted.  Ron was considered the neighborhood grandpa to all.

In 1998 after 14 years in the liquid waste industry Ron founded Evergreen Septic Service, LLC. He continued doing the work he loved for the next 20 years before retiring in 2018. Ron was at his happiest meeting customers, solving their septic problems and putting in a hard day's work. He served as a Board of Director for the Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carriers Association where he continued his education and fostered relationships with colleagues across the state. Although Ron enjoyed retirement, he often spoke about how he missed connecting with his customers.

Ron and Patti enjoyed yearly vacations to Mexico or the Dominican Republic, escaping Wisconsin winters. They celebrated their 40th anniversary this past March on a family vacation to Puerto Vallarta. Ron valued his time outdoors and loved making a new home for himself and Patti in Seaside, OR. He also found great joy in working on his 1981 Ford pickup truck. He was an avid reader and enjoyed doing woodworking and metal art projects. There was never a time that Ron didn’t have a special project on his list. He loved visiting museums and was a lifelong learner. Ron had a voracious sweet tooth and loved animals, especially their cats, Fritz and Clay.

Ron will be remembered for his curiosity, intelligence, handiness, and for his hard-working, resourceful nature. He lived a life of joy, generosity, and warmth. Ron was fun to be with and he was outgoing. If Ron was asked what he was most proud of, he of course would share how proud he is of his daughter and grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his brother Bruce (Carmen Alfonso) Sarna; cousin and dear friend John (Mary) Kobierski; nephews Mark (Melodee) Hamholm, Brian Hamholm and nieces, Linda (Larry) Avery, and Rhonda (Wayne) Capp; as well as his great- nieces, nephews and many cousins

A private memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Ronald’s life and memory in both Lake Oswego, Oregon and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 

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