Ronald Thurley

Ronald L. “Ron” Thurley, age 86, of Wautoma passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Silver lake manor, Wautoma. He was born June 29, 1939 in Oxford, England the son of Ronald Howard and Mary Marjorie (Knapp) Thurley. He married Gail Lee Hendrickson on January 2, 1960 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma.

Ron’s family emigrated from England when he was 6 years old. He was a 1957 graduate of Wautoma High School. Ron served his country in the United States Marine Corps for four years. He worked at Speed Queen in Wautoma before being hired by the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department in 1965. He was employed as a Radio Dispatcher, Jailer, Patrol Officer, Juvenile Officer and then Chief Deputy before retiring after 44 years of service to his community.

Ron enjoyed the outdoors including hunting and fishing. Most of all, he loved being with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. Ron and Gail were foster parents to 34 children throughout their marriage. He was a member and past Paul Harris Fellow of Wautoma Rotary. He belonged to St. Joseph Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Council #6228 Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Gail L. Thurley; five children: Ronald J. (Patricia Steinhaus) Thurley, Wautoma, Shari Thurley, Wautoma, Randy (Darlene) Thurley, Plainfield, Wendy (Steve) Meyer, Wautoma, Michelle Thurley, Cookeville, TN; grandchildren: Ronald Howard (Nicki) Spivey, Haylee (fiancé Chris) Steinhaus, Rebecca (Lawrence) Wingate, Crystal (Timmy) Troyer, Thomas Sagami, Collin (Jessica) Thurley, Ashley Thurley, Shane Thurley, Tomio (Shelby) Sagami, Brandon (Danielle) Meyer, Brent (Lauren) Meyer, Bryan (Megan) Meyer, Aiden Schumacher and Ollie Schumacher; great grandchildren: Lilli, Lane, Libby Jo, Ayden, Jaxon, Liam, Lawson, Jaxson, Eddie, Conner, Mac, Mavis, Presley, Remi, Owen, Aubree, Bryson, Maci; one sister, Shelia Russo; brothers-in-law: Gary (Joanne) Hendrickson, Bill (Mary) Hendrickson, Roger (Debbie) Carlin, Timmy Carlin, Jimmy Carlin; sisters-in-law: Judy (Bill) Haase, Toni (Joe) Busha, Jean (Greg) Winchell, Cinde (Dan) Killoran; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; step father: James Hanley; two sisters: Julie (Herold “Jerry”) Dehling, Sonia (John) Siegel; one nephew: Joe Siegel; his parents-in-law: Verona (Harvey) Gray; brother-in-law: John Carlin and sister-in-law: Susie Carlin

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma. A Parish Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends may also call from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday, December 5, 2025 with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Walter Stumpf will officiate and burial and military honors at Calvary Cemetery, Wautoma.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Ron’s memory.