"I first met Ron at a high school musical in Antigo. He found me during intermission and had only positive comments about the pit band. I recall how I thought, "What a nice guy. I think I like him.". At the time, little did I know that it was the first of many happy encounters. What a guy. "
In loving memory of
Ronald Blood
March 8, 2022
Ronald "Ron" Blood of Antigo, age 85, died March 8, 2022, at his home due to cancer. He was the son of the late Raymond and Arlene (Wienandt) Blood.
Ron graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1954 where he participated in sports and drama. In 1956, he graduated from the Langlade County Teachers' College where he met his future wife, Nancy Kretz. They were married on November 3, 1962, at St. John Catholic Church.
Mr. Blood received his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from UW Stevens Point. He taught at Wabeno, Mattoon, and Rothschild and then continued his teaching career of 37 years in the Unified School District of Antigo. He was nominated three times for "Who's Who Among American Teachers". In 1993, he received the Central Wisconsin Uniserve Council's Distinguished Service Award. He served two terms as President of the Antigo Education Association and was on the Negotiating Team for nineteen years.
In his younger years, Ron coached Antigo Little League and Junior League Baseball, St. John's basketball, and sports in the elementary schools where he taught. For seventeen years, he officiated high school basketball and for thirty-one years he was a football official. He officiated two WIAA state championship games in Madison and a WISSA championship game in Stevens Point. He received the Central Wisconsin Officials' Association Distinguished Award in 1994.
During his lifetime, he drove semi and was the owner of a hobby farm and clothing store. For seven years he served as a volunteer firefighter for Rural Fire Control and was on the Board of Directors for twenty- six years.
He was an avid bowler and also enjoyed tilling the soil, dancing, fishing trips to Canada, hunting, camping, singing with the Antigo Barbershop chorus, hosting foreign teachers and students in his home, attending class reunions, acrylic and oil painting, Friday night fish fries with family and friends, Antigo High School Musicals, and spending time with his grandson, Jacob.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy, of 59 years; sons, Patrick and Michael; daughter, Mary (Roger) Meister; grandson, Jacob Meister; brother, Gary (Dee) Blood; and sister, Darlene Blood. In-laws include Linda and Lawrence Worman, Ruth and Ken Karn, David and Laurie Kretz, Dale and Pam Kretz, Drs. Mike and Diane Kretz, and Mary and Ron Schreier.
Preceding him in death were his parents; father and mother-in-law, Charles and Leona Kretz; and a special brother-in-law, Charlie Kretz.
No funeral or memorial service will be held. His entombment will be in the mausoleum at the Queen of Peace Cemetery in Antigo.
A sincere thank you to those who gave excellent, compassionate care to Ron at the Volm Cancer Center, Hospice, and the Aspirus Clinic and Hospital.
Tributes
"One of the all-time best emailers! His description of local events could not be matched. The all-too-few visits to Sammy's at Waterpower and Mole Lake will be missed. Rest in Peace gentle man. "
"Mr. Blood was my Gym Teacher at River Grove Grade School in the 60s. He was a fun and caring teacher and I have so many fond memories of him. Nancy was also my teacher. It was always so great to see both of them through the years. My sympathy to Nancy and the kids. He will be deeply missed."
"I was so very sorry to hear of Ron?s passing. He was a true gentleman and such a good person.?? I imagine he is sailing away with the Nina the Pinta and the Santa Maria. We sure had some good times back in the day. Thinking of you, Nancy, and your family at this very sad time. I will keep you in my prayers.?. Ann cornelius"
"Our sincere sympathies to Nancy and family?? Greg and Dianne Noskowiak"
"The very best teacher I ever had! I still talk about him and the cool things he taught me. My sincere condolences to the family, I'm sure there's such a huge hole left by his leaving this earth, but I know there was a celebration in Heaven welcoming him home. Praying for comfort for the family as they adjust to life without him present. Rejoice in Paradise!!!"
"I know he lived a long, beautiful, productive, happy life, surrounded by people who loved and cherished him in life but I am so sad to hear he is gone from this life. Always such a gentleman that was respectful and thoughtful of everyone. Rest In Peace Ron. Your life made a difference to so many who will carry on guided by your wisdom, love, and kindness. "
"So sorry for your loss. Ron was my 5th Grade teacher at Rothschild. When I moved to Birnamwood area, I started Deer Hunting with Gary Blood. The first year on opening morning I was in the barn while Gary was finishing milking. Ron walked in and I recognized him right away. Hadn?t seen him for 20 years. I so enjoyed seeing him every year during hunting and at Blood Family Gatherings when I was also invited. For over 35 years I always stopped by his Hunting Shack to chat. Great memories. RIP - Uncle Ron. Steve and Penny Antell"
"I did my student teaching with Mr. Blood. I appreciate everything he modeled for me about being a great teacher. As good as he was a teacher he was a better person. I remember the care he showed all people and will never forget his sense of humor! Prayers to the family! Guy Steckbauer "
"Nancy, Mike and family- We are sorry to hear of Ron's death. He was a wonderful teacher and leader in the community. He will be missed by many. God's peace and blessings to all. "
"Mr. Blood was one of my favorite teachers at Pleasentview along with his Wife. I will miss seeing his smile. My condolences to the whole family."
"We are so sorry to hear this news. We'll always remember Ron and his friendly personality. Our monthly get togethers for fish fries were a special time, made all the more enjoyable by his sense of humor. "
"We are SO very saddened to hear of Ron?s passing! ??He was an exceptional guy & Loved having him as a teacher! So very Sorry, Nancy & family! Ron was my 6th grade teacher & will never forget his way of sitting at his desk looking over his glasses watching us to make sure we weren?t goofing around!?? Our sincerest condolences on your loss of dear Ron. Years later whenever we seen him, he always was SO kind talking to us & asking about how our family was doing! Heaven has gained a beautiful soul! May your family find peace that he is no longer in pain & is in GOD?s hands now! May GOD give you comfort! Rest In Peace, Ron.????????"