Ronald J. Bertrand

Ronald “Ron” J. Bertrand of Waukesha passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on December 13, 1945, in Milwaukee, he was the son of Raymond and Dorothy (née Nelson) Bertrand. Ron and his beloved wife, Ellen, met at the Ruehl home March 1966 at brother’s going away party for the Navy. One custard date later (Gilles) in his 66’ Chevy Impala and they married October 7th, 1967. They shared 58 years of marriage and lived in their Waukesha home for 53 years.

Ron enjoyed a lifelong career as a pattern maker, beginning his profession at B&E Pattern and Badger Pattern before founding his own business, Pine Cellar Manufacturing, which he initially operated from the basement of his home. The company later relocated to Big Bend, where he took pride in working alongside his son, Jared. Known for his analytical mind, Ron had a passion for figuring out how things worked.

An active and dedicated member of the Waukesha Elks Lodge #400 since 1992, Ron received numerous honors, including Officer of the Year in 1998, Exalted Ruler in 2001 and 2002, Lodge Elk of the Year in 2003, Wisconsin Elks State President in 2006, and Wisconsin Elk of the Year in 2016. Together with Ellen, he enjoyed traveling to various Elks Lodge Conventions.

Beyond his professional and community involvements, Ron cherished outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, woodworking, and traveling. He also had a fondness for dogs and treasured his family and many friends.

Ron is survived by his wife, Ellen (née Ruehl); daughter Michele Bertrand; granddaughters Samantha Price-Bertrand (Brandon Lesar) and Skye Bertrand-Zwieg; great-grandchildren Weston Wiegelman, Bryson Lesar, and Amelya Lesar; brother James (Sharon) Bertrand; and brother-in-law Roy (Ruthann) Ruehl. He is also remembered fondly by family friend Mike Celoni, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished son Jared in 2011, brother Thomas, and brothers-in-law Ron (Kathy) Ruehl and Rick Ruehl.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, located at 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. The Elks Lodge of Sorrow Service will begin at 4:00 PM, followed by the memorial service. Interment will take place at a later date at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ron’s name are appreciated to the Waukesha Elks Lodge #400, the Elks National Foundation, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brookfield, or your organization of choice.