Ronald G. Pember, 79, of Madison County, died June 22, 2020, in Elk Mound, Wis. Mr. Pember graduated from Gilman High School and received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a civil engineer, architect and registered land surveyor, and the only person in either Wisconsin or Missouri to hold all three licenses. After working as a civil engineer for Marinette, Wis., then as a manager for Owen Ayres and Associates, he started Pember Construction and Realty. In 1975, he was one of the founders of the Cedar Corp. Among his accomplishments were facilitating the establishment of a 3M plant in Menomonie, and the conception and construction of the Menomonie Airport. He was an active member of his community, serving as a Rotarian and a club president. After moving to Missouri, he worked with the cities of Wentzville, Pevely and Herculaneum. Mr. Pember enjoyed the outdoors, especially his trips to Canada to fish and pick blueberries. He and his wife built the Paw Paw Park campground, a testament to his love of rocks and planting trees.
Born Aug. 13, 1940, in Jump River, Wis., he was the son of Clara (Lechleitner) and Dan Pember.
He is survived by his wife: Patricia (Srock) Pember of Madison County, whom he married June 30, 1990; his first wife: Kathleen; seven children: Betsy (John) Wolbert of Menomonie, Steven (Kristin) Pember of Otter Creek, Tina (Clare), Tony (Kelly) Pember of Wheeler, Kathy (Pete) Bechel of Elk Mound, J. Pember and Julie Fritzel; three stepchildren: Tamara (Patrick) Flores of Springfield, Ricky (Becky) Bush of O’ Fallon and Christina (Ricky) Hudgens of Springfield; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother: Dale (Ida) Pember of Bloomer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be from 4-8 p.m. Saturday (June 27) at Cedarbrook Church Outdoor Amphitheater, N. 6714 470th St., in Menomonie, Wis., where blueberry pancakes will be served. A private graveside service will be at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Jump River. Arrangements are under the direction of Chippewa Valley Cremation Services.