Ronald Lee Semmann

Ronald (Ron) Lee Semmann, 89, a dedicated family man and public servant, passed away on March 21, 2025. He was born on May 25, 1935, to Eugene and Marguerite Semmann (Tank), in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Ron married Miriam Goetsch on April 17, 1960, and built their life together for over 50 years. They moved to Sun Prairie in 1966 where they planted roots and raised a family. After Miriam’s passing, he found renewed love and joy through his marriage to Ann Kramer on November 3, 2012.

He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a degree in Political Science, held a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Wisconsin’s LaFollette School, and earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National College of Chiropractic.

Ron had a distinguished career, culminating in his role at Madison Gas and Electric Company following his retirement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as Deputy Secretary.

In addition to his work at the DNR, he worked for the Wisconsin Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations (Deputy Secretary), and Wisconsin Department of Justice (Director of Administration). He began his career as a chiropractor, with a practice in Milwaukee. Prior to his professional life, he served as Petty Officer and Engineman in the Coast Guard from 1954-56.

Ron’s commitment to public service was further evident through his involvement on numerous boards and councils. Ron was a founding member of the Natural Resources Foundation and its first Executive Director. He was proud of his role in several of the Foundation’s projects, including the reintroduction of trumpeter swans to Wisconsin.

Throughout his life, Ron was known for his love of his family, his leadership, and the support he provided to his community. Ron was truly a friend to all. He was also a self-taught artist and guitarist who enjoyed traveling, golfing, fishing, and spending time at his cottage in Wild Rose, WI. He adored his grandchildren and often spent time teaching them new skills or writing and performing clever poems and songs to make them laugh.

He is survived by his children: Cindi, Tim (Lisa), daughter-in-law Beverly (Marc Schwarting),and Mike (Joleen); seven grandchildren: Hannah, Abbigail, Kristin Quarters (Austyn), Laura, Brian, Jacob, Elizabeth; and great-grandson Kohen Quarters; his sister Carol Renner (Gary Valine). He was preceded in death by his son Steven Semmann; Miriam Semmann (Goetsch); Ann Semmann (Kramer); brother Ken Semmann (Barb), and sister Judy Mayer (Ron).

Ron will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and Talamore Senior Living for their care.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. until the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin, 211 S. Paterson St. Suite 100, Madison, WI 53703 or

Groundswell Conservancy (Patrick Marsh), 211 S. Paterson St. Suite 250, Madison, WI 53703.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com