Ronald A. Person, 77 of Elkhorn, WI, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Aurora Summit Medical Center.  He was born November 19, 1947, in Plainfield, WI, the son of the late Cecil and Joyce (Fay) Person.

Ron and his brothers spent their early childhood years in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. By January 1963, the family had moved to put down roots in Elkhorn, WI, where they developed the strong work ethic and sense of service that would go on to define Ron's life. They were active in the community, school and sports. In 1966, Ron graduated from Elkhorn Area High School.

Ron was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Judith Liebnow at Como Community Church on June 10, 1967.

He joined the United States Air Force (1966-1970) and was stationed in Seville, Spain and Wichita, KS. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

He then joined the Walworth County Sheriff's Department in 1971 where his career began on Patrol. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Milton College in 1979. Ron went on to serve a long career within the Sheriff's Department, advancing from Patrolman (1971-1980) to Juvenile Officer (1980-1990), Detective (1990-1996), Acting Undersheriff (1998) and Lieutenant (1996-2001). He retired after 30 years of service in 2001.

Though retired from the Sheriff's Department, Ron continued down his path of service; he was later appointed Coroner of Walworth County by Governor Walker. He was a member of the American Legion Post 45 in Elkhorn where he served on the Honor Guard. Ron was honored to travel with Vets Roll to Washington D.C. and was a proud veteran.

Outside of community service, Ron thoroughly enjoyed his family, his horses and his Corvettes.

Ron and his family were long-time members of the Walworth County Boots & Saddle Club where they enjoyed the social side of having horses as a family with night-time trail rides, local shows, holiday parades and festive parties.

At home, Ron and Judi built their Appaloosa horse breeding program from the ground up. Ron regularly analyzed bloodlines, confirmation, and performance records to strategize the best crosses to achieve their chosen goals. They competed on local, regional and national levels to ultimately be honored by the Appaloosa Horse Club as noted breeders. The family's involvement in breeding, raising and showing Appaloosas built a network of cherished family and friends across the country with nearly 50 years of connection, awards and legacy. He proudly shared that they had 3 generations of World Champions in the family: first, the horses themselves; second, his two daughters, Kim and Rachel; and third, his granddaughter, Kayla.

Ron was elected to the Appaloosa Horse Club Board of Directors where he also served as Vice President. Ron was the Southern Wisconsin Appaloosa Horse Association president and auctioneer for many years.

Ron was an avid Corvette enthusiast.  He served as Chairman of the National Corvette Restorer Society-Wisconsin Chapter and truly enjoyed the annual road tours, chapter meets and the friends he met along the way.

He had an infectious laugh, strong character, caring heart and community mindset with a helping hand for those who needed one. He cherished his family and his country. He is lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Judi; two daughters, Kimberly (Dan) Schlepp and Rachel Schroeder; two granddaughters, Lexi and Kayla Schlepp; and his three brothers, Larry Person, Gary (Kay) Person, and Lowell (Melody) Person.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jerald (Nancy) Person; and sister, Sandra Person.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:30AM on Monday, November 17, 2025, Como Community Church, W3901 Palmer Rd. Lake Geneva, WI.  A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM, prior to the service, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Legion Post 45 or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  Online guest book available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.  Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes completed arrangements with the Person Family.

Elkhorn American Legion Post 45
16 South Broad Street, Elkhorn WI 53121

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: http://t2t.org