Ronald "Ron" Dean Markley, age 80, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, due to the effects of a stroke suffered two weeks earlier. He was born on May 29, 1945, in Richland County to the late Conrad and Norma (McCauley) Markley. Ron attended Weston High School and graduated in 1963. While in high school, he met Karen Tietje, the love of his life, whom he married on June 17, 1967.  They settled in Honey Creek Township near Tower Rock and raised their family on the farm. Ron loved farming and took pride in working alongside his sons. He felt very blessed with the family God gave him, especially his grandchildren, and enjoyed the times they spent together. Ron's faith was central in his life; he and Karen were active members of St. John Lutheran Church in Loganville, where Ron served for many years on the church council.

Ron is survived by his wife, Karen; his sons, Brian (Tammy) and their children, Laura (Gavin) Halverson, Ethan (Geneva), and Addison Markley; Tim (Lesley) and their daughter, Atana; and Greg (Liz) and their sons, Kyle and Owen (Olivia Wierzba). He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Meyer and LaVonne (Fred) Reinecke; brother-in-law (brother) Ken (Sandy) Tietje and sister-in-law Cheryl McCauley; best friends Richard and Judy Mohr; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Joe Meyer and Rick McCauley.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City, WI. A funeral service for Ron will be held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church, 380 Walnut St., Loganville. Visitation will also take place one hour before the service at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. A luncheon will be served after the service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, E4171 Village Rd., Hillpoint.

Ron's family would like to thank the wonderful healthcare providers and staff at UnityPoint Meriter and Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg for their care of Ron.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com