A very well-known former coach and administrator at Roncalli High School has died. Ron Klestinski, who taught and coached for many years, passed away unexpectedly at Holy Family Memorial Wednesday night. He was 84. John Stelzer, President of Roncalli Catholic Schools, released the following message regarding Klestinski’s passing. Mr. Klestinski, known at Roncalli as ‘Coach Ron,’ has been an important member of our community since 1966 when he was hired by Brother Cyril Litecky as a science teacher and coach. He later accepted the role as Dean of Students on the administrative team and was very proud of the Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Education Program at Roncalli High School. He also was honored at the White House by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Ron was very proud of his affiliation and partnership with the Christian Brothers and Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. Mr. Klestinski was always a positive role model, a man of great compassion and will be remembered for his pride in his school and students. He will be missed by his wonderful family, his former students and colleagues.” The native of Stevens Point was inducted into the Lakeshore All Sports of Fame, the Roncalli Athletic Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. As a head football coach, he is best known for leading the 1969 Jets squad to the first ever State High School championship under the WISAA affiliation at Lambeau Field. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11th at noon at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at North 14th and Waldo. Relatives and friends may call at the church prior to Mass from 9 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
