Ronald DeBuhr

Ronald O. DeBuhr, 77 of Belmont, Wisconsin died peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025 on his farm that he loved following complications of a recent heart attack.  Ron was born May 22, 1948 at the Dodgeville Wisconsin Hospital and lived and farmed all his life in Belmont township and graduated from Belmont High School in 1966.  On a windy day, April 11, 1970, he was married to Jean Voigts also of Belmont.  Together they spent the next 55 years on the farm raising their family.  Ron loved spending time with his three children and grandson.  In 1970 he started Sunny Valley Farm of which he took much pride in developing the animals and crops.  It became well known for Registered Holstein cattle and was fortunate to have success at local, state and national shows.  In 2011, a couple months after dispersing his registered herd, he received Premier Breeder of the Midwest Spring Red and White Show due to so many people showing animals purchased at the dispersal.  It was a proud day for him that he had achieved that honor and now seeing others achieve success with Sunny Valley animals.  After the sale of the cattle, he became a “crop” farmer.  He loved spending time and creating memories with his Grandson by doing woodworking projects and were able to create many projects together.  Ron was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Belmont.  In his youth he was a 4-H member and continued helping youth as an organization leader of Mound View 4-H as his children continued their 4-H life.  He was a Belmont Township supervisor for many years and a member of the state and national Holstein Association.  Ron also served on the dairy committee for several years at the Belmont School and Community Fair and received the honor with his family in having the Fair book dedicated to them in 2019.  

Ron is survived by his wife Jean, and his children Wayne DeBuhr (James Pride), Marcia DeBuhr (Melvin “Woody” Woodard) ,Sheila Simpson, and grandson Brandon Simpson, in-laws Jean Voigts, Karen McArdle, Larry and Kim Voigts and Ronald Voigts as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his in-laws Roy and Loretta Voigts, and brother-in-laws Jim Voigts and Bill McArdle.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, June 30, 2025 at the Peace Lutheran Church, Belmont.  Rev. Gus Barnes will officiate.  Burial will be at the Belmont Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, and from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Monday at the church.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.