The Honorable Ronald Keberle

The Honorable Ronald D. Keberle, 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 22nd, 2018 in Wausau, Wisconsin.

He was born in Milwaukee on September 2nd, 1927 to Frank and Gladys Keberle. Ronald graduated from Milwaukee’s Rufus King High School in 1945 as Valedictorian. After being discharged from the US Navy in 1947, he completed his BA degree in English at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Anderson in 1948. Subsequently, he attended law school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where he graduated with honors in 1951 and was selected for the Order of the Coif. Ronald and Shirley then moved to Wausau where Ronald began his law practice with Robert W. Monk, Senior. He became Assistant City Attorney in 1953 and in 1955 was elected District Attorney for Marathon County, a position he held for seven years. In 1957, he was honored as the “Outstanding Young Man” in Wausau and in 1958 was selected as one of five “Outstanding Young Men” for the State of Wisconsin.

In 1962, Ronald was elected County Judge for the newly created Branch II of Marathon County, where he served until his election to the Circuit Court in 1970. In 1978, he was appointed by State Supreme Court Chief Justice Beilfuss as Chief Judge of the 9th Judicial Circuit and served in that capacity until 1983. As Circuit Court Judge, he presided over cases in Marathon, Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties for 18 years until his retirement on July 28th, 1988. He then continued to work as a Reserve Judge until 2000. During his 38 years on the bench he also served on the Wisconsin Council of Criminal Justice, the Wisconsin Criminal Jury Instruction Committee and graduated from the National College of State Trial Judges.

Ronald was also very active in service to his community having served as the President of the Wausau Jaycees, President of the Marathon County Cancer Association and board member of the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Woodson YMCA.

Ron’s passions in life were walleye fishing, watching the Packers, reading novels, attending his sons’ and grandchildren’s musical and sporting events and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of seventy years, three sons, David (Branford, CT), Daniel (Spokane, WA), Douglas (West Bend, WI), seven grandchildren and four great-grand children. A private family service is being held in his memory.

Brainard Funeral Home - Wausau Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.brainardfuneral.com