Ronald Slane

Ronald “Ron” Ernest Slane, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, in the home he built. He was born on August 8, 1940, to Kenneth and Nillie (Wick) Slane in Madison, WI. Ron’s hard work ethic and kindness to others was an inspiration for everyone. He was a gentle man who had endless patience for all he met. The world could use more people like Ron. He will be greatly missed.

Ron graduated from Edgewood High School in 1959. Ron married his beautiful wife Lorna M. Lutz in 1967 and celebrated 58 years of marriage. They have 2 daughters, Sandra (Eric) and Jennifer (Chris).

Ron’s career started as a young man when he enrolled in a carpenter internship program. He spent 50 years building homes that provided comfort and security to countless families in the Madison area; working 33 years at Midland Builders, 9 years at Midwest Homes, and 8 years at McKee Builders. Ron proudly received his 50-year gold card union membership from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He enlisted in the US Airforce National Guard from 1962-1968 and was honored in May 2023, flying on the Badger Honor Flight with Chris (son in law) as his guardian. Captain Ron Slane joined the Town of Madison Fire Department in 1965 where he protected and served the Town of Madison area for 40 years. The Lake Forest Water Cooperative is dear to the Slane family, in 2023 Ron retired from systems operator after 56 years of service. As well as being a man of service, Ronald was also a man of faith. He was a faithful member of St. James Church and The Knights of Columbus 531.

As a skilled carpenter, Ron was a source of wisdom and expertise. Many called on him to lend a hand with their own projects.  As his friend JP said, “I have a friend who can build anything.”

He provided this for his own family, building his dream house in 1968 in the Arboretum.

Ron enjoyed many passions in his life including 50 years of memorable family camping trips to Camp Holiday in the north woods, fishing on a quiet lake in Vilas County, and making unique wooden creations for the family. During one of the family camping trips, Ron and Chris both caught small mouth bass, and to make the record length even more significant, it was at the same time. One of the wooden creations he built which the family talks about was his model of the Titanic which he made out of wood and resin. Always a creative genius; he fastened a V8 Ford Motor to make it like a paddle boat. Annually Ron loved his camping trips with family and friends, and he also loved spending time working on his projects. If you went on a walk in the Arboretum, you might see him in the garden tending his beautiful Dahlias or in the garage making his famous wine and maple syrup. Ron was a proud Ford truck owner, a golden retriever lover, and a dedicated family man. He will be with us forever as a husband, father, and friend. Special thanks to Maria Johnson and Chris Virnig who provided unwavering support to Ron and his family. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Lorna; children, Sandra (Eric Peyrot) Slane, Jennifer (Christopher) Virnig; brothers, Robert (Gale) Slane, Roger (Mia) Slane; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Nillie Slane.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church, 1204 St James Ct, Madison, WI. Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6728 Mader Dr., Madison, WI. and again, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at church. A private family burial with military honors will be held at Resurrection Cemetery following the Mass. Everyone is welcome to stay for the luncheon following Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Knights of Columbus United in Charities® Donation Form | Knights of Columbus and Badger Honor Flight Donate - Badger Honor Flight - Serving Those Who Served for US

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000