Ronald Gene Marske

Ronald G. “Ronnie” Marske

September 1, 1957 – July 25, 2025

Ronald G. Marske, 68, of Destin, Florida, passed away on July 25, 2025.

Ronnie was born on September 1, 1957, at an Army base in Germany, where his father, Carl F. Marske Jr., was stationed with his mother, Bonnie (Baxter). After his father’s deployment, the family returned to the Cumberland, Wisconsin area, where Ronnie grew up alongside his parents and siblings.

At just sixteen, Ronnie set out on his own, beginning a difficult journey that would shape the rest of his life. Despite decades of hardship and years without a steady shelter, he faced adversity with resilience and quiet strength. Those who knew him remember a kind and gentle soul who worked hard, lived simply, and valued freedom above all else.

At age 28, Ronnie moved to Destin, Florida, a fishing paradise, where he found his calling on the sea. He became a longline fisherman and spent forty years freelancing for numerous commercial fishing charters. Known for his skill, reliability, and calm presence, he earned the respect of Destin’s charter captains, who sought him out as the fisherman they wanted on their boats. In the Destin fishing community, he was affectionately known as “Pirate Ron”—the pirate everyone wanted on their boat. The ocean became both his workplace and his refuge, offering him purpose, pride, and peace.

Ronnie is survived by his siblings: Ricky (Theresa) of Minersville, Utah; Russell (LeAnn) of Casa Grande, Arizona; Michelle (Steve Grosskreutz) of Prairie Farm, Wisconsin; and Frank (Jan) of Hudson, Wisconsin. Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends also remember him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bonnie; his paternal grandparents, Carl Marske Sr. and Marge Turcotte; his maternal grandparents, Frank and Esther Baxter; and his sister, Kelsa Kay Marske (Carl Jr. & Jeanette).

The family will gather for a celebration of Ronnie’s life in Cumberland, Wisconsin at the Beaver Dam Lake beach on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery.

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