With faith in the Resurrection of Jesus, we offer our prayers for Reverend Ronald A. Colombo who entered eternal life on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the age of 77.
Ronald Allen Colombo was born July 19, 1946, in Sturgeon Bay, WI to the late William Joseph Colombo, Sr. and Marie Jane (Albert) Colombo. He grew up attending Corpus Christi Parish in Sturgeon Bay where he received the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. His high school and junior college years were spent at Sacred Heart Seminary in Oneida, WI, and he received his education in philosophy and theology at St. Francis Seminary in St. Francis, WI.
Fr. Ron was ordained by Bishop Aloysius J. Wycislo at Corpus Christi Parish in Sturgeon Bay on May 14, 1972. His first priestly appointment was as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish and Chaplain of Langlade Community Hospital, both in Antigo. Fr. Ron served at St. Jude Parish in Green Bay; St. Mary Parish in Oshkosh; and St. John Parish in Antigo before becoming pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Appleton in 1980 and serving 11 years. He was then appointed administrator to Holy Family Parish, Marinette in 1990 where he also became pastor in 1991. Fr. Ron became temporary administrator of St. Mary Parish in Peshtigo from 1991-1993 and then temporary administrator of St. James Parish in Cooperstown and All Saints Parish in Denmark in 1993. In 1993, he became administrator of St. James Parish in Cooperstown where he served for 7 years. Fr. Ron also was temporary administrator of St. Joseph-St. John Parish in Pilsen in 1999 and then All Saints Parish in Denmark and Holy Trinity Mission in New Denmark in 2000.
In 2000, he served as pastor of All Saints Parish in Denmark; St. James Parish in Cooperstown; and Holy Trinity Mission in New Denmark for 14 years, while also being temporary administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Mishicot in 2003 and St. Joseph Parish in Kellnersville in 2004. Fr. Ron then became pastor of St. Mary Parish in Glenmore/Stark, and St. Joseph Parish in Kellnersville from 2009 through 2014, until receiving senior priest status in 2014. He especially loved his 21 years serving the parish communities in the Denmark area and would often describe those years as “some of the best years” of his life.
In his retirement, Fr. Ron enjoyed relaxing in his chair with a good book in between cheering on the Wisconsin sports teams: Brewers, Bucks, Packers, and Badgers. He appreciated “God’s creation”, fishing and feeding the squirrels. Fr. Ron also liked playing cards at the Casino and Rap Polker with the Verkuilens and would usually offer his winnings to a family in need. He often reflected he had “more time” in his “retirement” to pray for family, friends, and former parishioners. Fr. Ron was a rock for his family and friends during difficult times and throughout life and was always there to celebrate with family for marriages, Baptism, First Communion. Family and friends often expressed an appreciation for his approachability as a priest and clergy within the church.
Fr. Ron will be missed by
Sister-in-law, Candice Colombo of Little Sturgeon; nephew, Chris (Kari) Colombo and their children, Elise and Chloe Colombo; niece, Amanda (Tim) Hoger; great-nieces, Ava and Aubrey Hoger
Sister, Charlotte (Richard) Bohn of the Town of Nasewaupee; nephew, Brandon Delchambre; great-nieces, Taylor Stai and Makensie Delchambre.
Nephew, Jason LaCrosse; great-nephews, Daniel and Kane LaCrosse.
Brother, William “Bill” (Lisa) Colombo, Jr. of Appleton; nephew, Justin Colombo; niece, Kayla Colombo; niece, Kaitlyn Colombo; great-niece; Finley Colombo; niece, Jenna (Mike) Kessenich; great-nieces and nephew, Grace, William, Hayes, and Lillian.
Other relatives.
Friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, David “Rocky” and Mary Colombo; two nephews, Dustin Delchambre and Carter Stai; and other relatives.
The Rosary will be prayed at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay with Visitation to be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening at 7:00 p.m., led by Rev. Anthony Birdsall. Visitation will continue at Corpus Christi Parish, 811 W. Juniper Street, Sturgeon Bay on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.
The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith and our hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Corpus Christi Parish with Most Reverend David L. Ricken as Celebrant. Rev. Anthony Birdsall will serve as Homilist. Fr. Ron will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in the Town of Sevastopol, beside his parents and family.
“Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the neighbors from the Orchard Estates apartments for checking on Ron and helping him.”
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Fr. Ron may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
