TOMAH- Ronald L. Tralmer, age 91, of Tomah, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Tomah VA Medical Center. He was born on August 17, 1932, to Oscar and Lela (Snider) Tralmer in Mauston, Wisconsin. Ron was a graduate of Tomah High School in1950, and he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.
He was united in marriage to Darlene Butterfuss on September 13, 1952, in San Clemente, California. Ron left for Korea the next day. He was involved in the “Battle of the Hook”, often referred to as the “Bloody Hook”. After 3 days/nights of fighting with no sleep, his company was ordered to take the Hill back from the Chinese on October 27th. Grenades were being thrown down the hill by the Chinese into the trenches. Ron’s company had to be in a prone position to avoid getting hit. A grenade landed onto his back (he had a flak jacket on) and exploded. Unable to see, he was picked up by his Point Man and carried down the hill. He was flown to the USS Constellation in Inchon, where he was operated on. It was nine days before he could see. Shrapnel was removed from his back, shoulders, head, and neck; he still had shrapnel in his head and shoulder. Ron acknowledged that the Lord and his Point Man saved his life! Ron helped organize many Marine dinners, which included Marines from Wisconsin. Once a Marine, always a Marine!
Upon his return from the service, he began working with his family at Tralmer’s Sales and Service as a plumber, the best Master Plumber ever! The business was ended in 2004. Then
Ron became a true social butterfly. He met with his buddies every morning at the old Badger, then Greenwoods. There were many who received a good old back rub from him! And his stories were many and quite entertaining. Ron was always willing to help anyone, anytime. His work ethic was above and beyond what was needed, and he worked very hard to make sure a job was done right. He designed two of the family homes and the Mega Storage rental units, and he drew blueprints as one of his jobs at Tralmers store. He also took part in the building, and, of course, the plumbing, for many jobs.
Ron loved music, and he loved to dance (that’s putting it mildly). He and Butter were great dancers. He was not afraid to dance alone if he had to; he loved entertaining and laughing, and occasionally flirting with the ladies. He was a gentleman. Many know his favorite song was “Tiny Bubbles”, but the Branson Bus Tour folks may also remember “Baby Blue”. He also loved bowling years ago and golfing in recent years, especially at the VA Golf Course with his daughter and son-in-law.
Ron is survived by his wife, Darlene; his daughter, Vicki (Tom) Church; grandchildren, Ryan Tralmer, Kim Tralmer, Troy (Nicole) Tralmer, Shane (Kristin) Nordstrom and Solomon Church; great grandchildren, Brennen, Mason, Trace, Tenley, and Gideon; brother, Don Tralmer; sisterin-law, Dorothy Tralmer; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lela; sons, Gary and Steve; great grandson, Chad; brothers, Howard (Alice) Tralmer and Robert Tralmer; sister-in-law, Patricia Tralmer; and twin infant sisters.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead donate to the Alzheimer’s Assocation.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Parish in Tomah. Monsignor David Kunz will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. unitl 7:00 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Additional visitation will take place on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
