Ronald David Friedman

It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic and sudden death of our beloved Ron Friedman. Ron was born December 13, 1965 to William and Gladys (Martin) Friedman of Little Suamico, WI. He graduated from Oconto Falls High School with the class of 1984. Ron married Karen Bitters on May 9, 1992. Together they raised their sons Mitch and Mike in Oconto Falls.

Ron was the best husband anyone could ever ask for. The two built their life together, blending their unique qualities to produce a life filled with love, hard work, and laughter. He and Karen did so much together; from golfing to snowmobiling to working in the yard to cutting wood to pickleball to moped cruises for dinner to making salsa to visiting their children in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Ron was his boys' hero. He was a present and caring father who lived an exemplary life that daily guides his sons in every aspect of their lives, preparing them to be the men they are. His support gave them incredible opportunities and he was so proud of them. As "Pops" he adored his grandkids, melting in tenderness and beaming with joy.

Anyone who knew Ron was impressed with his work ethic. He was disciplined in everything he did; never being late for work, reading his Bible every morning, and writing everything down so he wouldn't forget. Yet he was a jokester with a well-timed witty remark. He was a dedicated Oconto Electric Coop (OEC) Lineman for 27 years, an avid hunter, and jack of all trades. Ron was a loyal friend and he brought warmth and security into the lives of those who knew him.

Ron is survived by his wife of 34 years, Karen; sons Mitch (Abbi) Friedman, Mike (Steph) Friedman; grandchildren Juniper, Juliette, David, and baby Friedman due December 9th; siblings Roger (Janet) Friedman, Nancy (Frank) Allgeyer, Bonnie (Glenn) Sowle, Jim Friedman; brothers-in-law Terry Bitters and Kevin Shallow; sister-in-law, Gerri Friedman; many nieces and nephews; and his second family, the Magnin brothers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Gladys; his in-laws Robert and Kathy Bitters; brother Gary Friedman, sister-in-law Sherrie Shallow; and nephew Drew Sowle.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. Visitation will continue on Thursday, August 27 after 9:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 am, officiated by his son Pastor Mitch Friedman and Pastor Chris Antoniak.

Our hearts are broken to lose Ron. Though he would have never wanted to hurt us, we will feel the intense wound of his absence for the rest of our lives. We know that God is bigger than this and his mercy in Jesus Christ abounds for Ron and for us. We will continue to trust in our Rock and our Redeemer.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in his name. The family will put the donations towards what they think best honors Ron (such as a scholarship for those going on to be a lineman).