Ronald Edward Latko Sr.

Ronald Edward Latko Sr. took his last breath of life surrounded by loving family in the comfort of his own home in Westfield, WI on April 12, 2021 after 77 years of fun-loving life. Ron was known for his acts of service to others and his kind heart. Some remember Ron as being the life of the party, and the man that was always giving awards and recognizing others for their service of laughter and mistakes. This was especially appropriate in Boy Scouts as Ron was an Eagle Scout himself and a Scout leader for many years. Ron was labeled as “One of the good ones” by some folks. His humor was unprecedented, and his heart was worn on his sleeve. There will be no services held, but there will be a small celebration of life with a few family and close friends. This is best stated by his sister Mary Ann, “As you know, Ron was practically allergic to being serious, and he would hate having a traditional funeral.”

Ron was born to the late Edward Latko and Sophie Latko (Wittek) in the City of Chicago on Aug 8th, 1943. Being 100% Polish and growing up in the Polish neighborhood on the southside of Chicago helped make Ron the man he came to be. Anyone who knew Ron was sure to know that he was Polish and realized how proud he was of that fact. Ron flew the Polish flag under the American flag in the front yard, and the world always knew a Polish family lived there.

Ron was known for his love of food and cooking which he learned from his mother and from the old neighborhood in Chicago. He loved to spend time with family, and loved his grandchildren. He was an avid car enthusiast, which would be an understatement. Anytime there was a bright shiny older vehicle with chrome anywhere around it, was sure to catch his eye. He had a knack for cars and even raced them for a stint. Ron loved Sci-Fi, the ocean and was a dog lover. He also loved to go boating, fishing, hunting, and sit around a fire while having some drinks and laughs with the people he cared deeply about. Anyone who knew Ron liked him as he made it very hard not to.

Ron was a Veteran of the US Navy and held the rank of BM (Boatswain’s Mate) during the Vietnam war era and served on a sub and the destroyer, USS Blue DD-744 that has since been decommissioned. He was a proud patriotic American and loved this great country of ours. His favorite place he ever visited was The Great Barrier Reef.

Ron was a Commercial Construction Project Manager for many years. He built multi-million projects ranging from high schools, plasma centers, retail stores, to assisted living communities. As project manager, he broke a record when he built a Hardee’s in 16 days from the groundbreaking to the sale of the first burger.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Lynn Latko (Hanson); sons Ronald E (Kendra) Latko Jr. of Madison, WI, Ryan (RaeAnn) Latko of Aledo, IL, Nicholas (Raquel) Latko of Naperville, IL; sister Mary Ann (John) Groetsema (Latko) of Fairfax, VA; seven grandchildren Christopher Latko, Jacob Latko, Jennavee Latko, Sophia Latko, Zander Latko, Annika Latko, Mira Latko; one great-grandchild Jacob Latko Jr.; stepson Nick Hanson and his son Nick Hanson Jr.

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