PORTAGE/TOWN OF PACIFIC – Ronald H. (Ron) Blankenheim age 82 of Pacific Township passed away in Mesa, Arizona on Thursday, April 10th, 2025. He was born on November 7, 1942, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of Roman and Pauline (Niehus) Blankenheim.

After graduating from Phoenix North High School in Arizona, he joined the Navy and served on submarines from 1961 – 1965.

He married Sandra L. Wood on May 23, 1970.

Ron and Sandy owned the Hitching Post and Saloon restaurants, and Legends (aka Cheers) bar plus a large catering business in Portage until they retired in 2006. In retirement they enjoyed six months in Portage, and six months in Mesa, Arizona every year.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portage, the Knights of Columbus, the Portage American Legion and VFW. Ron was a former member of the Portage Curling Club (a member of an 8-end rink). He loved riding his motorcycle with his wife and brother, going to car shows and garage/yard sales.

Ron is survived by his wife, Sandy, his children Kevin (Ruth Schmidt) Zamzow, Kelly (Christopher) Breunig, Kim (Douglas) Cibulka, and Michael (Stephanie) Blankenheim; Grandchildren: Jeramia (Meredith), Nicolas (Kristann), Troy (Elsie) Cibulka; Katrina (Cinton) Clingerman, Megan (fiancé Micah), Derek (Ruya) Cibulka; Noah (Lily) and Jonah (Constance) Zamzow-Schmidt; Peter (Holley) and Nathan Ruffalo; Logan, Reis (Macky) and Fallyn Breunig; and 12 Great Grandchildren: Elijah, Marcella, Lila, and Clara Clingerman; Finley, Willa, Josie, Nora, Caroline, Audrey, and Emily Cibulka; and Peter Dominic Ruffalo IV. He is also survived by his brother James (Kay) Blankenheim of Portage, and his brother-in-law Gary Winter of Lecanto, Florida; sisters-in-law Judy Wood and Walda Wood (Sheldon Rampton); many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Susan (Blankenheim) Winter, in-laws Waldo and Linda Wood, brothers-in-law Mike and Loran Wood.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Portage with Father Randy J. Timmerman presiding. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until Mass at the church. Military Honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Columbia County Humane Society, St. Jude's, Wounded Warriors, or T2T (Tunnel to Towers) in Ron's name.

Kratz Funeral Home in Portage (kratzfuneralhome.com) is assisting the family.