Ari R. "Ron" Fafnis, Little Chute, age 83, died on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. Ron was born in Winnipeg, Canada on July 19, 1933 to the late Rev. Egill and Ellen (Freeman) Fafnis. Ron was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Urban Klister American Legion Post 436 in Wrightstown. On July 3, 1960, he married his precious Wilma (Willie) Winterton in Lee, Illinois. The two met in Hawaii while Ron was stationed there. Ron graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. He spent his career as an Electrical Engineer within the paper industry until his retirement in 1994. Ron was a 50-year member of the Lions Club, as well as a member of the Heart of the Valley Senior Service Club. He enjoyed spending time at Captain's Cove in Gresham, and was an electronics and ham radio enthusiast.

Ron is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wilma; sons: Steve (Linda) of Appleton; Scott (Tina) of Appleton; and Mike (Lori) of Kaukauna; grandchildren: Kyle (fiancée Samantha), Noah, Micaela and Emma Fafnis; as well as honorary grandson Noah Gilbert; brother, Reynis (Elizabeth); and brothers and sisters-in-law: Charles (Sue) Winterton, Linda (Al) Mitchell and Mark (JoEllen) Winterton. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his son, Matthew; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elliott and Clara Winterton; brother, Lowell; an infant sister; sisters-in-law; Joann and Marvel Fafnis, and Gloria Winterton.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9, 2017 at OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH (3009 N. Meade St. Appleton) from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral at 12:00 Noon. Pastor Dee Sim will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Urban Klister American Legion Post 436 will immediately follow.  Burial will be at Kelso Cemetery, Kaukauna. A memorial is being established to benefit the Urban Klister American Legion Post 436.

The family would like to thank Jane and Emily of Right at Home for their giving and loving care of Ron.