Ronald `Ron` Victor Silverthorn

Ronald "Ron" Victor Silverthorn, age 78, of Wonewoc, entered his eternal home on Thursday, July 4, 2024. He was born on August 14, 1945 to Donald and Dorothy Silverthorn of Footville, WI. He grew up in rural Evansville, and attended the one-room schoolhouse, Crall School, in Center Township.

As a youth, Ron excelled in little league, junior league, and high school baseball. His favorite childhood memory was playing catch with his brother Jerry. He graduated from Evansville High School in 1963.

Ron attended Black Hawk Technical College where he completed training as an electrical draftsman and was employed at Gibbs Manufacturing in Janesville. He enlisted in the US Army in October 1965 and served three years, trained as a Nike Hercules missile radar technician. Upon returning to civilian life, he met and later married Karen Jannisch on November 15, 1969. They were blessed with two children, Konda Kae and Chad Aaron.

Ron started his career with Wisconsin Power and Light as a line tech apprentice. He served in several positions with WP&L the final being Customer Service Manager in Baraboo. Ron ended his career as Electrical Superintendent for the City of Elroy Electric Utility. One of Ron’s greatest dreams and accomplishments was designing, building, and managing Rustic Ridge Log Cabin Lodging in Merrimac, WI. Ron and Karen operated Rustic Ridge for 20 years, and enjoyed hosting guests from all over the world coming to ski at Devil’s Head and explore Devil’s Lake State Park.

Ron and Karen spent many spring and fall trips in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN, their “Happy Place”. He also enjoyed a visit to Barcelona, Spain accompanying Konda and Jordan. Ron loved gardening, woodworking and building, sports (Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers), vintage car shows, deer hunting with his son, grandson, and son-in-law, Nascar races, planting hundreds of trees and shrubs every year at the farm in Wonewoc (his retreat), and playing cards and dominoes with friends. He was active in his church, serving on the board of deacons many years. Thanks to Jesus for His grace and salvation, and guiding him through many health struggles.

Having a relationship with his Savior has brought Ron much joy. It has carried him through many hardships including complications from diabetes, two open heart surgeries, cancer, anemia,and congestive heart failure. His faith provided his life on earth with a heavenly destination, and now he rests in peace in the presence of his Lord Jesus.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Karen after nearly 55 years of marriage, his daughter Konda (Guy) Sterrett, his son Chad (Sue) Silverthorn, and grandchildren Jordan Khan, Blake and Brianna Silverthorn, sister Judy Holmes, nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his father and mother Donald and Dorothy Silverthorn, brother Gerald Silverthorn, mother and father-in-law Fred and Helen Jannisch, and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Jeanne Jannisch.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Walnut Hill Bible Church, 1900 East St in Baraboo.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., followed by Military Honors provided at the church by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard.  A private burial will be held later at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Wonewoc.