Ronald P. Melichar, 70, of Saukville, formerly of Boltonville, passed away peacefully at Virginia Highlands Health and Rehab in Germantown on December 30th after a courageous fight with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Ronald was born September 3rd, 1948 in Port Washington, son of Leo and Mary Jane Klos Melichar. He grew up in Cedarburg, graduating from Cedarburg High School in 1966 before proudly serving in the US Marine Corps; He was honored with a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War. Other honors included the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Ronald met Joyce Breger in 1970. They were married on June 12, 1971 at Holy Hill in Richfield. The couple lived in Boltonville for 44 years before moving to their current home in Saukville. Together they raised 2 children. Ronald worked as a Maintenance Mechanic for 42 years at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, retiring in 2005. He was a member of Kewaskum American Legion Post 384, Newburg Chapter of Vietnam Veterans and was a longtime member of the Boltonville Fire Department, volunteering for over 30 years. Ronald enjoyed packing care boxes with Wisconsin WE Care for Wisconsin soldiers in harm's way. He also enjoyed Sprint Car races, hunting, farming, Green Bay Packer football and tinkering in his shop. In his younger days he enjoyed demolition derbies and driving race cars. Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Joyce, and their daughters Liza Butler and Kelly (Kevin) Settele. He was a proud grandpa to Naomi Melichar and Bobby Ward. He is further survived by his mother Mary Jane Melichar, brothers Alan (Sue) Melichar and Brian (Lori) Melichar, aunt Marie Prom, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Leo, and brother Loren Melichar. A Celebration of Life event is scheduled for January 13th at the Boltonville Fire Department from 1-3PM with Military Honors scheduled for 2PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans, Boltonville Fire Department, or the Washington County Humane Society, where his precious cats Autumn and Ashes were from. The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com . The family wishes to extend their thanks to Clement Zablocki VA Hospital, the Vets Club, and Virginia Highland Health & Rehab in Germantown for the wonderful care given to Ronald.