Ronald N. Christel, age 84, of rural Saint Nazianz, died Wednesday morning, December 23, 2020 at his residence.

Ron was born on November 19, 1936, son of the late William and Loretta (Schnettler) Christel.  He attended St. Gregory Grade School and graduated from Kiel High School in 1954.  Ron served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1957.

On June 25, 1960, Ron married the love of his life, Janet Zipperer at St. Michael's Church in Whitelaw.  He was employed at the Salvatorian Center from 1957 until his retirement in 2000.

Ron was an active lifetime member of St. Gregory Parish.  He belonged to the Knights of Columbus and many other organizations.  Ron also served as an assessor for the Town of Liberty for 23 years. Ron was an avid sportsman and enjoyed woodworking.  His specialty was making ornaments, now being enjoyed by many.

Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years: Janet; seven children, Sue (Mike) Mleziva, Manitowoc, Judy (Mark) Thiel, Fond du Lac, Linda (Gary) Ansorge, Michigan, Dan (Gwen) Christel, Nebraska, Dave (Karen) Christel, rural St. Nazianz, Jill (Jamie) Wagner, Marytown and Sara (Jeff) Paque, Colorado; 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Joann (Melvin) Mueller and Carol Leschke and sister-in-law: Darlene Christel.  He is further survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Fr. David Christel S.D.S. and Richard Christel, Sr.; sisters: Chris (Ted) Hunter and Lorraine (Jerome) Bechle; brother-in-law: Glenroy Koeppen; father-in-law and mother-in-law:Alfons and Vlasta Zipperer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at 11:00a.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at St. Gregory Catholic Church (214 Church Street, St. Nazianz).  Officiating the service will be Rev. Patrick Nelson S.D.S.; with Military Honors accorded by the Wagner-Eberle-Sukowaty Post #477.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, at church, from 9:00a.m. until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Holy Family Hospice for their compassion and care given to Ron and his family.