Obituary of Ronald F Mettler

Ronald F Mettler, age 87, died peacefully at home November 15, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was born (March 5, 1934) and raised in the Dutch East Indies. The Japanese invaded in 1942 detaining Ron’s family for 2 1/2 years there in concentration camps during WWII and the Indonesian Revolution. They moved to their motherland, Holland, after the war where Ron met and married Elisabeth (Elly) Weyers in 1960. They immigrated to Minnesota, USA in 1961, became proud citizens in 1968 and moved to Hudson, Wisconsin in 1989.

Ron had a 32-year career at 3M, however his passion was dedicating his time to popularizing the game of soccer in America. He played, coached and refereed at every level from school age children to old-timers. He also enjoyed traveling and exploring the USA and the world with his family.

Preceded in death by Caspar(father), Augustine(mother), Robert(brother), Sunny(sister) and Gerardo(grandson-in-law). Survived by wife of 61 years, Elly, daughters Karen (Nick) Basil and Nicole (Jim) Rickard, Basil grandchildren Alissa, Andrew (Jessie), Adam, Madeline (Lukas) and Jillian, five great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Robb and nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 pm -3:00 pm, Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 1979 Old Hudson Road in St Paul. 

Memorial donations may be sent to American Veterans of Foreign Wars or to an Animal Shelter.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Moments Hospice and to the many people who helped Elly care for Ron so he could stay in his beloved home.