Ronald “Ronnie” W. Christensen, 92, of Kenosha, joined his wife in heaven peacefully Saturday, August 3, 2024.
He was born on December 17, 1931 to the late Ellsworth and Catherine (Granitzki) Christensen in Racine. He was educated in the schools of Racine including St. Catherine’s High School where he met his future wife.
Ronnie became a drummer at the age of 10 after meeting his idol Gene Krupa which turned him into a career drummer that spanned through grade school to post high school, traveling and performing with an orchestra.
Ronnie’s musical career ended with a draft notice entering him into the US Army for the Korean War.
Post war, he began school at the Ray-Vogue in Chicago as a dress designer. Also, during this time putting his band back together. He began dating and fell in love with his future wife Andrea Zinane. They were married in 1958 and had six children” Rona, Marta, Ann, John, Mary and Michael.
Together Ronnie and Andrea owned and operated John Zinane Sheet Metal as mechanical contractors. They had several locations throughout Wisconsin.
Ronnie was a long-time Elk member until its demise. The purchased and resurrected the water damaged building and brought to life The Heritage House Inn.
Life changed for Ronald and Andrea when their oldest daughter Rona fell ill.
Ronnie is survived by his children Marta (Gary) McAllister, Ann (Mark) Greco, Mary (David) Towers and Michael Christensen, his grandchildren Rachael (Danny) Fellers, Alexandra (Jordan) Kloster, Jenna (Fausto Lebron) Greco, Mario Malacara, Angelica Greco, Bianca Greco, Michael Christensen, Sarah Christensen, James Towers and Adam Christensen, 11 great grandchildren and a sister Catherine “Bunny” Kortendick.
He is preceded in death by his wife Andrea, a daughter Rona and a son John and a sister Caroline Olsen.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ronnie will be held on Monday, August 19th at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (corner of 73rd St and Sheridan Road) at 12:00 p.m. (Noon). Inurnment with Full Military Honors will follow at Green Ridge Cemetery.
