Ronald Hirte

Ronald William Hirte, age 81, peacefully and quietly passed away on February 14, 2022, in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

Shortly before passing Ron was visited by his 3 sons, Dan, Adam, Brad, and loving granddaughter Amanda.  We, his sons, would like to believe hearing us boys laughing and swapping stories and laughing even more about our different experiences with our father over the years reminded him how much he meant to ALL of us and the impact he has left upon all of our lives… Hearing our laughter and love, forever the family protector, his mind was finally at peace knowing we were ALL going to be all right, he was finally able to drift off and enter Jesus’s Arms.

Rest in the Peace you so rightly deserve…AMEN

He was born on June 23, 1940, to the late Harold and Pearl (Barr) Hirte in Pembine, Wisconsin.

On September 10, 1960, Ronald married Patricia “Pat” Ann Beyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ron battled dementia near end of life, yet he always knew who the love of his life was, often referring to her as “Granny.”

Ronald joined law enforcement because of a strong desire to help people. He graduated from the Milwaukee Police Academy and started his law enforcement career as a beat cop, eventually transferring to Harbor Patrol.  While living in Milwaukee Ron was also a Licensed Charter Boat Captain.

Looking to return to his country roots, Ron eventually packed up the family and moved to Lincoln County where he would spend the balance of his law enforcement career on the Lincoln County Sherriff’s Department.   Ron enjoyed competitive shooting with the department. He was one of the founders of the Special Response Team (SRT) in Lincoln County.  After 40 years in law enforcement, Ronald retired from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department as a Detective Lieutenant.  Ron maintained in contact with his fellow law enforcement partners after retirement enjoying getting together with members to catch up and reminisce often over coffee and breakfast.

Ronald was a hard worker with a diverse work knowledge, a bit of “Jack of all trades.”  He was always there whenever family needed him regardless the project or task.  Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting/shooting, reloading his own ammo, and reading any gun book/magazine he could get his hands on.   Ron grew up around horses, so it was only natural he loved caring for horses. At one point, Pat and Ron had 21 Arabian horses on their “hobby” farm.  Ron always had some sort of project going on be it cleaning out box stalls, to prepping/ working on his 27’ boat for fishing the Great Lakes.  Ron and Pat both enjoyed many years of getting away to their timeshare at Christmas Mountain, down in the Wisconsin Dells, where Ron enjoyed time relaxing in the hot tub.  Ron also enjoyed getaways to visit Family and Friends.

Ronald is survived by his beloved wife of 61+years, Patricia Hirte and children: Daniel Hirte, Adam (Julie) Hirte, Dawn (Jerry) Brown, Linda Hirte, and Brad Hirte, grandchildren: Andy, Amanda, Ronald, Shawn, Nya, Dakota, Drake, and Destiny, great grandchildren: Terrell, and Adella, siblings: Richard (Margaret) Hirte, and Sandy (Jim) Metzger. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Beverly Zbacnik, and parents-in-law, Clarence “Jack” and Viola Beyer.

Per Ron’s wishes, no services are scheduled at this time. Cremation to take place.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.