Ronald Kjos
August 22, 1933 - September 16, 2025
Obituary
Ronald E. Kjos, age 92, of Lancaster, WI passed away Tuesday September 16, 2025, peacefully after spending the day with family. He was born on August 22, 1933, in Plummer, MN, the son of Carl and Irene (Hoass) Kjos.
Ronald began school in the Milwaukee area until he moved to Platteville to live with his sister and family. He completed seventh and eighth grade in Platteville before attending Potosi High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1952. He claimed his class gave the school mascot its name Chieftains.
As a young man, Ron worked as a farmhand on his sister's farm, he later worked in construction, helping to build Highway 81 from Platteville to Lancaster; although underage, and he claimed to be 18 in order to join the crew. During high school years and after Graduation Ron worked alongside his foster dad Russ Beecher at Beecher Garage in Potosi. Following that he went on to work at Knotwell Cities Service in Lancaster with Russ Knotwell. When Russ decided to sell the business, he told Ron, “I can't run this place without you, but you can run it without me.” Ron took over the station and went on to become a successful businessman, employing and mentoring many young men who were grateful for his guidance.
He was united in marriage to Nancy Tucker on December 3, 1955. They went on to have 4 children and ran a successful business in town for many years. In 1981, they teamed up with their Son-in-Law Dean to create Lancaster's first Convenience store known as “The Pit Stop”. Throughout his career, Ron dedicated himself not only to his business but also to his community. He was recognized as Businessman of the Year in Lancaster, served as Assistant Fire Chief for the Lancaster Fire Department, and contributed years of service as a city council member. He was also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, always working to make his community a better place. Prior to retirement, he had a career as custodial engineer being head of “collections”, collecting trash at Lancaster State Bank.
Ron will be remembered by his ability to crack a joke with his sense of humor, his talent of fixing lawn mowers and his love of watching sports with his friends at the Corner Bar that they created in Morningside. He loved spending time with his friends and family; going for rides and out to eat.
Ron was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family deeply. He is survived by his children: Pam (Dean) Johnson of Waupaca, Cheryl Olson of Waupaca, and Karen (Pat) Schroeder of Lancaster; his 11 grandchildren: Stacey, Kristy, Mike, Jill, Jamie, Brian, Holly, Kelly, Emily, Patrick, and Stepfanie, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandkids
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nancy (Tucker) Kjos; his son, David Kjos; grandson, Matthew Schroeder; great-grandson, Jasper Sanders; his 3 Sisters and 1 Brother; son-in-law, Scott Olson; and his foster parents, Russ and Wilma Beecher.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville, with Pastor Mark Hoehne officiating. Visitation will be held at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of Service. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com
The Family would like to thank Morningside and St Croix Hospice for their excellent care of Ron.