SPARTA-Ronald L. Burnham was born April 29, 1958 in Sparta to Curtis and Phyllis (Fish) Burnham. He married Donna L. (Wemmer) Burnham on October 1, 1988 at the Sparta United Methodist Church. The two met while serving in the Army National Guard. Ron and Donna welcomed their first child, Nicole in 1990 shortly before Ron was mobilized to Saudi Arabia with the 107th Maintenance Company. They welcomed their second child, Brandon in 1993. Ron served in the Army National Guard/Reserves for over 28 years, the majority of his career devoted to MATES and ECS. He and Donna owned the Sparta Grill for 8 years and spent the remainder of his career working at the Tomah VA.
Ron loved spending time with his family and dog. Some of his favorite past times included riding motorcycle with his wife and friends, golfing, camping, hunting, traveling and watching westerns.
Ron passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2024 at home surrounded by his family at the age of 66 years old. Ron was proceeded in death by his parents; Curtis and Phyllis Burnham, brothers; Donald Burnham and Robert Burnham along with sisters; Linda Burnham and Pam Schumate.
He is survived by his wife; Donna Burnham, brother; Randy Burnham, children; Nicole (Rancelar) Jacobs, Brandon (Brittany) Burnham, grandchildren; Aria, Brooks, Rhett and Baylor.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Chaplain Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Burial, with full military honors will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sparta.
A Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
