Ronald Cretens

Ronald Cretens, age 64, passed away on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 after fighting a short but difficult battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Ronald was born on August 22nd,1961 to Donald and Judith Cretens in Escanaba Michigan where he grew up. From a young age Ronald was on his own working to provide for himself and attending high school. He graduated from Gladstone High school in 1979. Ronald continued to work at numerous local restaurants until he got a job for the Interlake Steamship Company and set sail in the fall of 1979. Ronald started out as a wiper, worked his way up to a conveyorman, and then to a QMED (qualified member of the engine department). Through some mutual friends Ronald was set up with a penpal who became the love of his life, Martha (Marti) Cretens (Malinoski). Ronald and Marti tied the knot March 27th1994. The following year they had a daughter, Maggie. Ronald helped Marti during her four year cancer battle until she passed in 2004. He retired in 2020 after a 41 year career with the Interlake Steamship Company. The following year after retirement he worked as a campground host and following that he worked as a security guard. Ronald was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post #71 in Gladstone. Ronald enjoyed cooking projects, spending time outside, riding in his side by side, spending time with family and friends, and working on house projects. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with Maggie, grandpups Timber and Ruby, and his new puppy Luka. Ronald will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, dedication to any task, and his authenticity.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Judith Hagen, wife Martha Cretens, Father Donald Cretens, and brother Edmund Cretens.

He was survived by his daughter, Maggie Cretens; brothers Donald Cretens Jr. and John Cretens; sisters Melanie (Dick) Kuettel, Kelly Wheatley, and Judith (John) Teale; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 with a visitation starting at 10am and a time of sharing at 11 am at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. Burial following at Calvary Cemetery in Washburn, Wisconsin.

A special thank you to all of the staff at Aspirus St.Lukes. Thank you all for helping Ronald fight, always being honest, and supporting Maggie during this very difficult time. Thank you to Benedictine's Adult Day Services Program for providing Ronald a safe place to be while enjoying numerous fun activities and supporting him.