Ronald Eugene Willadsen, 76, of Buffalo City, Wis.,died Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, at St. Michaels Lutheran Home where he had resided for the past couple years.

He was born Oct. 7, 1933, in Albert Lea, a son of Lester and Lucile (Lifeson) Willadsen.

He attended Albert Lea Schools, graduating from Albert Lea High School with the class of 1951.

He furthered his education at Austin State Junior College. Ronald enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1957. Following his service to his country he again furthered his education at Mankato State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education in 1959. Later, he earned his master’s degree from University of South Dakota in guidance counseling.

On May 13, 1960, Ronald was united in marriage to Norita Vesely. To this union three children were born. They later divorced.

Ronald began his career in education at Lakeview High School at Lakeview, Iowa, the Forest City Highschool at Forest City, Iowa, as a guidance counselor. From 1965 until 1970 he was the guidance counselor at Ellendale at Ellendale Highschool.

Then in 1970 Ronald relocated to Buffalo City where he began his career at Cochrane-Fountain City Schools, serving as the guidance counselor and the business education teacher, a position he held until his retirement in 1994.

Ronald was an avid bowler and loved to play on softball leagues. He was a member of the C-BC Lions club, the VFW Post 10406 of Buffalo City and will be remembered for his love of collecting all sorts of items. He was also an active and envolved member of Hope United Church of Christ of Cochrane where he served in several capacities within the church.

Surviving Ronald are his three children: Rhonda (Jamie) Mullane of Colorado, Sheila (John) Filla of Independence, Wis., and Steven (Jeanne) Willadsen of Waumandee, Wis.; nine grandchildren: Bradley Erckenbrack, James Mullane, Kristi Bingham, Erica Willadsen, Kate Willadsen, Troy Willadsen and Reed Willadsen, Kyle Filla and Lacey Filla; also by other relatives and friends.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Hope United Church of Christ, Cochrane, Wis., with the Rev. Marcy Heil officiating. Cremation will follow with burial of cremains in Albert Lea at a later date. Visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Cochrane Chapel and again one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the church.

Online memories or condolences to comfort the Willadsen family may be sent to www.talbot-poeschel.com.