James Ronnerud

James "Jim" Augustus Ronnerud, 85, formerly of Darlington died September 19, 2023 at Edenbrook of Platteville. Jim was born May 2, 1938 in Platteville, WI to James Marshall and Mildred Winnifred (Ewing) Weittenhiller, and was adopted by Philip Ronnerud when he was five years old. He was raised in the Platteville area, graduated from Darlington HS in 1957 and graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in Elementary Education and Agriculture. He married Janice Sleep, August 24, 1961. He was inducted into the US Army in February 1962 and stationed at Ft. Benning, GA. After two years in the Army he taught science in South Wayne and Gratiot, WI. He quit teaching in 1978 and developed a successful business as a well-known distributor of Rawleigh Products. His many interests and hobbies included genealogy, history, stamp collecting, house plants, gardening (flower and vegetable) and eagles. He was an active and enthusiastic member of many organizations related to his interests. He was a member of Darlington's American Legion Lodge #214. Jim is survived by two brothers: John (Karen) and Philip (Margaret) Ronnerud; three nephews: David (Debra) Sleep, John N. Ronnerud, Evan Ronnerud; two nieces: Miranda (Billy) Johnson, Anna (Sam) Glickman; six great-nieces/nephews; three great-great-nieces/nephews; close friend and cousin-in-law (c/o Janice), Susie (Steven) Hillison; cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; his father, James Weittenhiller; mother and father, Mildred and Philip Ronnerud; brother, David Ronnerud and brother-in-law, Charles Sleep. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the Darlington United Methodist Church in Darlington. Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at Darlington United Methodist Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to the Grant County Genealogical Society (Attn: Karen Reese, PO Box 281, Dickeyville, WI 53808) in Jim's name.