RACINE – Ronald C. Reth, 74, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 12, 2016 following a courageous eighteen-month battle with cancer. Ron was born in Racine on February 9, 1942 to Fred and Luella (nee, Kisner) Reth. He graduated from Wm. Horlick High School, Class of 1960, following which he received his Bachelor's Degree in Art Education from UW-Parkside. Ron served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam with the "Big Red One", 1st Division, 16th Infantry Rangers. On April 19, 1969 Ron married the former, Dee Anna Longo. He retired from Western Publishing Company after 39 years. He loved music, especially the Blues, playing his guitar and harmonica, but most of all he loved traveling with his family to the "happiest place on earth". Ron is survived by his loving and caring wife of 47 years, Dee Anna Reth; children, Michael Reth and Barbara (Jason) Ystenes; grandchildren, Blaine and Alexa Ystenes; and his brother, Kenneth Reth. Ron is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law, LaVerne and Warren Jorgensen, and June and Conrad Leinberger; and his brother, Earl Reth. A Mass of Christian Burial for Ron will be celebrated on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Spring Street, with Rev. Terry Huebner officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Thursday morning at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane and his staff, and the staff at Wheaton Franciscan Hospice for their care and compassion; and to special friends, Mary Beth and Phil for their understanding and friendship.