Ronald Masters

Retired Milwaukee Police Officer Ron Masters, 87, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on July 7, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ron was the son of John and Helen Maslowski. He grew up on Milwaukee’s south side, where he developed a lifelong love for the city he would later serve with dedication and pride.

Ron graduated from South Division High School in 1956, where he enjoyed playing football and wrestling for the Cardinals. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in California, before returning home to begin his civilian career. He began working for the City of Milwaukee as an arborist at just 18 years old, demonstrating an early commitment to public service. At age 21, Ron fulfilled his dream of joining the Milwaukee Police Department. He began his career walking the beat through city neighborhoods, building relationships with residents and earning a reputation for fairness and integrity. In the years that followed, he drove an ambulance—long before the days of EMTs and paramedics—providing emergency aid with steady hands and compassion. Ron went on to spend the latter half of his distinguished career as a detective in the Vice Squad, where his sharp instincts and dedication made a lasting impact.

In 1985, Ron married the love of his life, Denise (née Rosefelt). Together they shared a life filled with laughter, hard work, devotion to family, and their lovable Shih-Tzu’s.

After his retirement from the police force, Ron and Denise spent many years working side by side in their U-Frame-It shops in Madison, where they combined creativity and craftsmanship.

For many years, Ron and Denise embraced the best of both worlds—winters in the sunshine of Scottsdale, Arizona, and summers in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. For 15 years, they owned and operated Pastimes Gift Shop in Sayner, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed meeting locals and visitors alike and sharing their warmth and humor with everyone who came through the door.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife Denise, and his two sons: Lon Masters (Annie Bratt) and their daughter Saylor, and Neil Masters (Sherry VanSkyhawk). He will also be remembered fondly by extended family, friends, and fellow officers who will cherish his memory and stories for years to come.

In his later years, Ron enjoyed fishing, golfing, and traveling with Denise, as well as the occasional trip to the casino. He took great joy in the simple pleasures of life and treasured time spent with his family and friends.

Ron will be remembered for his strong sense of duty, his friendly smile and beautiful blue eyes, and the pride he took in his years of service to Milwaukee and the friendships he built along the way.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, at Plum Lake Cemetery at 2:30pm. 

Funeral services are being arranged by Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Service