Ronald Frank Zank

Ronald Zank, age 72, of Neillsville, WI died Monday, April 27, 2020 at the Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids, WI of cancer.

Ronald Frank Zank was born on October 2, 1947 in Neillsville the son of Frank and Jeanette (Miller) Zank. He attended the Silver Crest Grade School and Neillsville High School. Ron began farming with his parents at the age of 15 and worked for them for 25 years. On October 10, 1970 he was united in marriage to Amber E. Hiles at the Zion American Lutheran Church of Granton..He began renting and purchasing the family farm in 1988. Ron and Amber continued building a Registered Herd together. He was proud of many accomplishments especially having a Reserve All-American Red & White Cow and having the top herd average in Clark County at one time. He always strived to continuously expand his operation.

When he wasn’t working, some of Ron’s favorite pastimes were picnics at the pond, Christmas gatherings and hunting with his only grandson, Brayden and good friend, Benny Heck at the “Cabin in the Sky” in Sherwood. Ron also enjoyed going to cattle shows and auctions, country music, the Western Channel RFD-TV, flowers planted in the yard, Brayden’s sporting events, the Neillsville Warriors and Stratford Tigers, sports radio, the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Besides his wife Amber, to whom which they would have celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary this October, he is survived by two children, Clint (Heidi) Zank of Neillsville, WI and Becky Zank of Mukwonago, WI, his only grandson, Brayden Zank of Neillsville, 6 siblings, Linda Wulf of Elkhorn, WI, Donna (Dennis) Eddy of Neillsville, WI, LuAnne (Edgar “Bud” Jr.) Eddy of Burlington, WI, Wanda (Mark) Kunze, Dale (Stacy) Zank and Lori (Brad) Schmidt all of Neillsville, WI. He is further survived by brothers/sisters-in-law, Donny & Linda Erickson, Donna Hanuszczak and Mike & Sharon Struensee all of Neillsville, WI and Mark & Julie Hiles of Granton, WI, and many nieces and nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father/mother-in-law, William and Josephine Hiles, a brother-in-law, Stuart Wulf, a sister-in-law, JoAnn Hiles, and great nephew, Mason Marshall.

Due to the COVID-19 virus a private family Graveside Service will be held at the Town of Grant Cemetery. Pastor Chad Anderson of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville will officiate.

Honorary Casket Bearers are Greg Eddy, Bob Marty and Bishop Kolano.

Casket Bearers are Brayden Zank, Donny Erickson, Carl Nemitz, Sam Kempf, Benny Heck, Jim Erickson, Bruce Opelt and Dale Reinart.

Special thanks to Riverview U.W. Cancer Center. Dr. Ronnie Kirschling & his kind, caring compassionate staff. We remember Ronnie as a very hard-working man and extremely kind soul. He loved the land and animals and was a very laid-back man with a huge heart. Be grateful and remember to “Thank a Farmer”.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 803 West North St., Marshfield, WI 54449-1819, the Neillsville Special Olympics Neillsville Agency, 401 Center St., Neillsville, WI or the Calvary Lutheran Church Youth Mission Trip, 213 Hill St., Neillsville, WI.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Ron’s family with Funeral arrangements.