Ronald Burdette Fields

Ronald Burdette Fields, age 76, of Whitehall, died on Thursday, November 21, 2019 in the Gundersen Tri-County Care Center in Whitehall.

Ron was born on June 28, 1943 in Connersville, IN to Lowell Burdette and Phyllis (Himelich) Fields. He married Donna Jean Repulski on September 5, 1965 in Sauk Rapids, MN. Ron & Donna lived in Cook, MN for a time as well as spending a couple of years in Florida. He was the president of the hospital in Grand Marais, MN for several years prior to moving to Wisconsin (shortly thereafter his sons realized the error of their ways and subsequently converted to Green Bay Packer fans).

Ron and Donna moved to Whitehall in November of 1975. Ron was the president of Tri-County Memorial Hospital from 1975 to 2001.

In the mid 80’s Ron purchased 80 acres of land near Coral City and began hobby farming raising beef cattle. He took full advantage of the “forced” labor his sons provided to erect fencing, put up hay and general care of his beef herd which he was very proud of. Ron and Donna eventually built a home on the property and moved in during the fall of 1991.

He was a lifetime member of the Whitehall-Pigeon Rod and Gun Club and the American Simmental Association and a long-time member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, the Whitehall Lions Club and the Whitehall Golfers Association.

Ron was also a member of an investment club with several other gentlemen in town. It is not known whether any profit was ever generated by this endeavor or if it was just an excuse to get out of the house on occasion.

He was also a member of The Old Buffaloes Club; a group which comprised several retired health care workers and businessmen from the area. They would rotate the sites/towns where they would meet and always enjoyed each other’s company when they were together.

Ron enjoyed hunting during his younger years and also collected coins.

Ron & Donna played cards with several couples throughout the years. They also enjoyed traveling and went to Germany, Italy and Mexico.

Ron is survived by two sons, Byron (Rachel) Fields of Whitehall and Cory (Richelle) Fields of Oregon, WI; five grandchildren, Mitchell, Gabbie, Lauren, Morgan and Alexis; sister, Patty Horning of Richmond, IN and a brother Mike, of Greenwood, IN.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Jean, on October 15, 2008; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Dorothy Repulski; a brother, Gary and a nephew, Guy.

Byron and Cory would like to thank all of the wonderful staff at Sunrise Manor and Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Care Center for the kind, competent and compassionate care provided Dad. We also want to acknowledge all the kind words and remembrances people have shared with us. We were told several stories that Ron would always walk the halls of the building in the morning to greet staff and always made time to talk with those who requested to. He was often a man of few words, but when he did say something it was often important and had great meaning, or was a zinger said in response to a conversation he was quietly but intently listening to.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall. Pastor Peter Jonas will officiate.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be designated to the Gundersen Tri-County Foundation.

The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.

COPYRIGHT 2023 BY NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.