John "Johnny" Ronspies Jr.

John “Johnny” Ronspies Jr., age 96, of Waupun, formerly of Wautoma, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Complete Care at Christian Home in Waupun. He was born on March 13, 1929, in Princeton, WI, a son of John Sr. and Martha (Bednarek) Ronspies.  

On December 28, 1957, John married Elaine Novak at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Princeton. They lived most of their married life in Wautoma, raising 3 children. Together John and Elaine shared a love for dancing to polka and waltz music, card nights with friends, spending time at church bingos, and going to casinos. John was actively involved for many years in the annual church picnics at both St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Princeton and St. James Catholic Church in Neshkoro. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and Redgranite Lions Club.

This time of the year was special to John. Thanksgiving meant the family gathering together and playing Michigan rummy for pennies, a tradition that brought generations together around the table over the years. As Christmas approached, John took great pride in decorating the house inside and out. Every garland, light, tree branch and ornament were specially placed. These traditions will forever be continued by his family.

Those John leaves behind to cherish his memory are his 3 children, Brian Ronspies of Wautoma, Julie (Dan) Giese of Waupun, Colleen (Will) Beltezore of Fond du Lac; 3 grandchildren, Kailey (Max) Garvey, Taylor (Tommy) Giese, Daelyn Giese; 3 step grandchildren; 2 sisters, Marie Mashuda and Betty Schlaefer. John was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine.

A Memorial Mass for John Ronspies Jr. will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1211 W. Main St., in Princeton. Msgr. James Gunn will officiate. Burial will follow the Mass in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Princeton. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of John with his family.

The family would like to thank Complete Care at Christian Home and SSM Hospice for the wonderful care they gave John. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to St. Jude’s Hospital, one of John’s favorite charities.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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