Robert A. Ruonavarra, age 68, passed away surrounded by his family on June 5, 2026. He was born on May 28, 1958, in Garden City, New York, to Robert "R.R." and Mary (Deiosso) Ruonavarra. As part of an Air Force family, Bob spent parts of his childhood in New York, Japan, California, Michigan, Maine, and Wisconsin before graduating from Southwest High School in Green Bay in 1976.

With all their travels, Bob’s immediate family was very tight-knit, since they were the only family they had when they went from base to base was each other. Like many siblings, Bob and his sister, Kathy, had their share of disagreements, but no matter where life took them, Kathy always knew her brother would be there to protect her.

Like his father, Bob achieved the title of Eagle Scout. He went on many camping trips growing up and has an assortment of merit badges and patches that he collected over time.

Bob will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, his love of family, and the joy he found in life’s simple and meaningful moments. He was an avid golfer who found both camaraderie and happiness on the course. Among the highlights of his golfing life was playing Castle Stuart in Scotland with his wife, Sue, and he took great pride in recording a hole-in-one at Mid Vallee.

Bob also loved to travel and treasured the memories he made along the way. He visited many places over the years, including Scotland, Italy, Hawaii, Washington, California, Mount Rushmore, Florida, and Arizona. Italy held a special place in his heart, especially the trip he shared with his wife, daughter (Sara), and son-in-law (Jason), and the many gelato stops enjoyed between sightseeing adventures.

He had a lifelong love of sports, both as a player and a fan. Bob enjoyed playing basketball, football, baseball, golf, and tennis, and he found special joy in coaching basketball and soccer for his sons. In later years, he especially enjoyed watching golf and cheering on his Los Angeles Rams each Sunday.

Bob’s quick wit was something family and friends will always remember. Whether it was a movie quote or a perfectly timed one-liner, he had a way of bringing laughter and lightness to every room.

For the past 13 years, Bob was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where he volunteered with the hospitality committee and enjoyed serving his church community.

Above all, Bob was a devoted family man. He took great joy in hearing about the daily lives of his children and grandchildren, attending their events, and spending time together. He also loved cooking for his family and was well known for his lasagna, his unbeatable deviled eggs, and his unsolicited cooking instructions to his children.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sue Ruonavarra; his daughter, Sara (Jason) Weis; his sons, Geoff (Kelly) Ruonavarra, Anthony (Alexandria)  Ruonavarra, and Riley Ruonavarra; his sister, Kathy (Dann) Drews; and his cherished grandchildren, Brenna Ruonavarra, Colin Ruonavarra, Giada “Gigi” Weis, Cohen Weis, and Ella “Peanut” Rubio Leal. Bob will be missed by all his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert "R.R." and Mary Ruonavarra, and by his father-in-law, Tom Summers.

Family and friends may call to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1305 Lourdes Ave, De Pere, WI 54115, for visitation on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m until 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. Burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in De Pere. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the Ruonavarra Family. 

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for the compassionate care they gave Bob throughout his treatment. During his more than three-year battle with cancer, Bob received over a hundred platelet and blood transfusions, and we are deeply grateful to the many donors whose generosity made that care possible. For those who are able and would like to honor Bob’s memory, we ask that you consider donating blood or plasma in support of others facing a similar journey.