Ronald Weiss

FITCHBURG - Ron Weiss, 77, of Fitchburg, WI, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11: 45 PM, in the loving embrace of his wife of 47 years, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, following a diagnosis of bone marrow cancer in August 2013.

Dad was a friendly, social fellow. He made new friends everywhere he went, whether he was in the audience at Jazz on the Square, savoring a cheeseburger with fried onions and mayo at Brothers Three, indulging a later-in-life golfing addiction, collecting antique automobile clocks, or vacationing with his wife across the country and overseas.

Dad earned an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Organic Chemistry, as well as a M.B.A., from Michigan State University. With the mind of a true scientist, he delighted in a good debate and learning new things. During treatment as part of a clinical trial at Dean Oncology over the last year, Dad loved doing the daily Jumble and Sudoku in the newspaper with the assistance of the wonderful, caring nursing staff.

Food has always been a central pleasure in Dad's life, especially Mom's special meals and desserts, often made with ingredients grown in the family garden.

Above all else, Dad is remembered for being incredibly proud of his family and their personal, educational and professional achievements. He worked hard his whole life, successfully instilling that ethic in his children and generously sharing the fruits of his own accomplishments widely with family, friends and the community at large.

Ron is Professor Emeritus in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin, following a professional life with Miles, Inc. in St. Louis, MO, and Elkhart, IN; and, Rhone Poulenc, Inc., and the Food Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin, in Madison.

Ron is survived by Margaret Rozman Weiss, his wife (married on Thanksgiving, 1967); Kira Weiss, daughter; Robert Weiss, son, and his wife Sylvia Lee; Skyla Lee Weiss, granddaughter; Rebecca Weiss, daughter; Jerry Weiss, brother; Rochelle Mirotznik, sister; and, his beloved dog, Rosie. Ron (Rachmil) was preceded in death by his parents, Helen (Hia Sarah) Moskovsky Weiss and Harry (Tsve) Weiss.

Private family services were held Monday with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Madison. A time to share memories of Ron's life, enjoy good friends and food, and catch the Packers' game, will be held Sunday, September 28, 2014, 1 to 4 PM, at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI. A Tribute Page has also been established at www.cressfuneralservice.com

In lieu of flowers, Ron has asked that you remember him by supporting one of his favorite community groups: Chabad House of Madison, 1722 Regent St., Madison, WI 53726, chabadofmadison ; Luke House Community Meal Program, 310 South Ingersoll Street, Madison, WI 53703, lukehousemadison ; The Road Home Dane County, 128 E. Olin Ave, Suite 202, Madison, WI 53713, trhome ; Literacy Network, ESL Program, 1118 S Park St., Madison, WI 53715, litnetwork

Ron's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Dean Oncology and Agrace HospiceCare, Inc. for their kindness and tender care.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave. Madison
(608) 238-8406