Ronald “Ron” R. Ullman, age 81, of Manitowoc, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 28, 2026, at Shady Lane Nursing Home.
He was born in Two Rivers on September 13, 1944, to the late Clifford and Verda (Stechmesser) Ullman. Ron grew up in Mishicot and graduated from high school in 1963. He married Margaret Salentine (PRONOUNCED Sollen-tine, like it rhymes with Time) on March 2, 1968 in Mishicot at St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church. After their marriage, Ronald and Margaret moved to Manitowoc. Ron served in the National Guard for 3 years, Army Reserve, and then was enlisted in active duty in Vietnam for an 11 month tour. He served a total of 2 years and 7 months of active duty. Ron worked at Mirro for one year, and then retired from Manitowoc Crane after 38 years and 4 months of employment. Since 1979, Ron was a lifetime member of the VFW as well as the YMCA where he was known as a jokester who had a true gift of gab. He was also a longtime member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church. Ron enjoyed gardening, and was a fan of the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks, and especially loved local sports. He loved working on home projects with his son-in-law Rick, always making sure to double-check the work.
Survivors include his children, Monica (Rick) Gollata of Whitelaw, Rob (Robyn) Ullman of Manitowoc, Melissa Brodtke of Manitowoc, and Ross (Jessica) Ullman of Green Bay; grandchildren Mason Gollata of Madison, Rylee Gollata of Manitowoc, Nathaniel and Parker Ullman of Manitowoc, Emett and Liam Brodtke of Manitowoc, and Cassandra, Zachary, and Valerie Ullman of Green Bay; sisters-in-law Bonnie Ullman of Manitowoc, Carol (Larry) Grimm of Kewaunee, Carol Salentine of Green Bay, and Judy (Mike) Malcore of Algoma; brothers-in-law Harold Vondruska of Mishicot, and James Salentine, Ronald Salentine, and Wayne (Sandy) Salentine, all of Luxemburg, and Jeff (Peggy) Salentine of Tennessee, and Myron Rabas of Luxemburg; and nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents Cliff and Verda Ullman; in-laws Nicholas and Agnes (Fiala) Salentine; brothers Wayne and Dennis Ullman; sisters Audrey (the late Richard) Reif (PRONOUNCED like Reef), Sharon Ullman, and Cheryl Vondruska; and sisters-in-law Mary Salentine and Jean Rabas.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 916 Pine Street, Manitowoc. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, February 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church and again on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Military Honors and committal prayers will follow at Knollwood Mausoleum. After that, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St.
Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to nurse Jeremy of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and their entire staff, as well as the volunteers of NODA for their compassionate care of Ron.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
