Ronald Kirby, born January 29, 1949, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, August 19, 2022. Ronald, better known as Ronnie to those close to him, was the son of the late William aka "Bill" and Theda Mae (Cornelius) Kirby. After Ronnie grew up in Milwaukee, he was drafted into the Army and bravely served his country in Vietnam. He was quite the character who at one time, when surprised by a snake, killed it and used it as a helmet decoration. When his captain discovered this, he told him to never touch a two-stepper again. Puzzled, Ronnie asked him what a two-stepper was. He was told that anyone bitten by the snake he killed usually walked just two steps before it was lights out. After coming home from service, he traveled the countryside in a Volkswagen Beetle. He just wanted to see the country and that's what he did before coming back home to Milwaukee where he then worked with his Dad at the famous and historic Pfister Hotel, at one time, even performed restoration work on the paintings at the Pfister. Later, he found his way to Reno, Nevada, where he worked in the laundry center for the Veterans Hospital. Eventually, this is where he would retire from. It was in Reno where he met and married his first wife, Barbara Bass and had two girls, Chrystal and Falicia. Later, after remarrying, he would have another child, Megan while also adopting a son Derek, who would later become his billiards-playing partner. Ronnie, during his younger years, was a multi-talented man, including making detailed sailing ships (some up to two feet tall), drawing and making sketches of people. Later in life, Ronnie moved back to Wisconsin, where he had a green thumb when it came to gardening. In the back yard of his Green Bay home, it had all the charm of any large countryside garden. He even built a small creek that emptied into a Koi pond. Then, when finishing in the garden, he could be found tinkering in the garage fixing this or fixing that. Ronnie, along with his sister, Sharon, also enjoyed going rummaging. It was quality time they spent together finding the best deals. Last but not least, Ronnie also loved to go fishing. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Theda Mae (Cornelius) Kirby and son, Derek. He is survived by brothers, Richie (Debbie), Danny and (Kim), sister Sharon, children Chrissy (Rich), Falicia (Garth) and Megan, grandchildren, Declan, Lila, Chloe, and Kaylee. Ronnie also had many nieces and nephews and loved them all. To anyone who had the pleasure of being a part of Ronnie's life knew that he always chose to be happy and used his humor to create a home filled with laughter. The family would like to thank the staff at Woodside Nursing Home for the outstanding care they provided Ronnie during his last months and days. Ronnie, you'll be greatly missed. But now, all of your responsibilities here are complete and we're all so happy knowing that you can finally again, tend to your garden. Family and friends may visit at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. The Oneida Hymn Singers will sing at 11:30 with a service beginning at noon. Military Honors will follow the service. Burial will take place at a later date at Holy Apostles Cemetery in Oneida.