Ronald L. Rife, 68, of Marinette, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, January 23, 2012, at Bay Area Medical Center. He was born April 3, 1943 in York, Pennsylvania to Paul and Pauline (Kuhn) Rife.

Ron spent his early life in Mechanicsburg, Penn. and graduated from high school there. He moved to Chicago where he worked for Delta Airlines. While living in Chicago he met the former Donna Lee Flood, with whom he was joined in marriage on May 19, 1964. They resided in Memphis, Tenn. and again Chicago before moving to Menominee in 1970 and then Marinette in 1976.

After coming to this area he first worked for The Ansul Company. While residing here he earned a Bachelor's Degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1978. He had been employed by Lock City Transportation Co. in Menominee as operations manager until his retirement. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Menominee. For many years Ron served on the Board of Directors and as an officer of Menominee County Federal Credit Union.

An avid Green Bay Packer fan and outdoorsman, Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing and being at his cabin. Spending time with his grandchildren was one of Ron's great joys and he will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Ron found Masonry over 30 years ago and has been a very active Mason in the Masonic and York Rite Bodies of Marinette. He also rose to the position of Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons of the State of Wisconsin. He was also a member of appendant bodies, Knight York Cross of Honor, York Rite College No. 112 and the Red Cross of Constantines.

Ron is survived by his wife, Donna Lee; two children and six grandchildren, son, Donald Paul Rife (JoAnn) of Omro, Wis. and their children, Brianna and Justin; and daughter, Cindy Lee Schmitz (Mike) of Waunakee, Wis. and their children, Samantha, Gabrielle, Victoria and Josephine. He is further survived by two brothers, Edward Rife (Sandy) of Peoria, Ariz. and his twin, Donald Rife,of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; one sister, Brenda Dressler (Dallas) of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; close family friends, Pam and Dale VanDuinen, their daughters, and many other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters-in-law, Theresa Rife and Marvyl Rife.

Friends may call at Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home, Marinette, after 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home.

The family extends special thanks to the Emergency Rescue Squad, paramedics and the doctors and nurses at Bay Area Medical Center for all their wonderful care.