Ronald Cunningham

MADISON- Ronald James Cunningham, 79, passed away on Saturday, August 11th, 2018. The son of James and Helen Birch Cunningham, he was born February 13, 1939, in Madison, WI. He attended Edgewood High School and graduated with the class of '57. He married Jocelyn Snyder on January 3, 1959. In 1972, he moved their family of seven to the mountains of Montana, returning to Wisconsin in 1987.

Ron was a man with many skills: he owned and operated an award winning service station, working in logging, heavy construction, carpentry and as a campground keeper. For many years he operated a shop from his home in Verona, servicing and restoring vehicles. Ron had a gift for transforming any space into a beautiful oasis. He was also known for his love of horses and dogs, caring for them throughout his life.

After his divorce, he made a life with Dara Longhenry. A man who loved to travel, they made many trips back to the mountains of Montana and many other places including New England, Florida, Washington, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and Aruba. Ron found joy in the simple things; the everyday bustle of his shop, visits from friends, and the coming and goings of his regular customers. He most enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren and grilling one of his legendary steaks with his one-of-a-kind mushroom sauce.

He is survived by his wife, Dara Longhenry; his five children, Steve (Jeri) Cunningham of Glendale, AZ, Laura (Steve) Novak of Spanaway, WA, Christina Cunningham of Madison, WI, Bridgit (Bryan) Clements North Pole, AK, and Joel (Jodi) Cunningham of Belleville, WI; his four sisters, Patsy McComish, Judy Viney, Marie Wheeler, and Donna Loeffelholz; his nine grandchildren, Brian, Ashley, Nicolle, Courtney, Bryan, Jesse, Raina, Isaac, and Elizabeth and eight great grandchildren.

Please join our family in a celebration of his life on Saturday, August 18th, 2018 at the Town of Verona Hall, 7669 County Highway PD, Verona, WI 53593 from 3:00PM to 7:00PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Kidney Fund. - kidneyfund.org


Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434