Ronald "Ron" E. Shimek, age 67, a Manitowoc resident, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at his home.

He was born April 14, 1956 in Manitowoc, son of the late Edward E. Shimek and Agnes M. (Rappel) Shimek. Ron attended St. Boniface Grade School, Manitowoc, graduating with the class of 1970 and, Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, graduating with the class of 1974. Later in life, his goal was achieved by accomplishing his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Ron was employed at several Motorola Service Centers for 15 years and concluded his career at Manitowoc County Sheriff's Dept as Communications Supervisor in Technical Support Division for 24 years. Ron also worked part time as a DJ for 13 years at several dance clubs in northeastern Wisconsin.

His bachelorhood afforded him the luxury of extensive involvement in optimizing Public Safety two-way radio tower system performance & data network design, resulting in pioneering software in the mid 80s, (in what is now known as "texting"), for police squad cars and 911 Communications Centers. Since childhood, Ron was a "Ham" radio operator, (WB9MFB), and was a member of several amateur radio clubs. His favorite studies were antenna theory & design, and participated in many world-wide Morse code (CW) contesting events. Ron also co-implemented and then coordinated, the first severe weather spotter's network involving 19 counties for the National Weather Service in Green Bay, WI. Although Ron never served in the military, his dedication in the preparation of the U.S. Army 88 Regional Readiness Command for Dessert Storm, earned him, and was awarded, highest certificate honors of appreciation.

Ron is survived by his two sisters: Judy M. Rank, Manitowoc and Joyce Rank, Plymouth; a niece: Kim Rank; three nephews: Eric Moffatt, Corey (Sarah Soukup) Rank and Chris (Marie) Rank and their families as well as other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Sandy Moffatt; niece: Julie (Moffatt) Leonard; brother-in-law: Terrance Rank and other relatives and friends.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin. A service of remembrance will occur at 12:00 p.m. Noon. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the southside property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Ron will be laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Town of Kossuth, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Ron's name to a charity of your choice.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.