Dr. Ronald Valere Mershart, long-time resident of Superior, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly in his home on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at the age of 86. A native of Chicago, IL, Ron was born March 24, 1932 during the Great Depression. He was a graduate of DePaul University and later the University of Chicago where he earned his PhD in History. As a young man he traveled extensively throughout Europe, and lived in New York City and St. Louis. Ron relocated to Superior with his then-wife, Eileen, in 1967, to join the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he taught countless numbers of students over the years until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure at UWS, he was active in university life and served as the History Department Chair from 1994-1997.

Ron believed strongly in participating in civic and community life. Throughout his time in Superior, Ron was active member of many groups and organizations including the Douglas County Democratic Party, Douglas County Historical Society, Superior/ Douglas County Sesquicentennial Committee and the Friends of the Library. A one-time elected member of the Superior Board of Education, he also served on State-level commissions and councils. Ron authored several newspaper articles and books celebrating area history including "Century 1889-1989: Cathedral of Christ the King (1990)" and "Frontier Village: The Birth of Superior, Wisconsin, 1853-1883 (2003)." Both books were donations of time and expertise for his adopted home.

Ron had many passions. He loved music, especially jazz, and musical theatre, art, film, poetry, writing, cooking, traveling, nature, genealogy, dogs, the Chicago Cubs, philanthropy and above all, books, of which he donated hundreds to the Superior Public Library.

Ron was the loving and devoted only son to Pascal and Margaret (DeBender) Meerschaert, both of whom preceded him in death. Ron is survived by his beloved daughter, Marielle (Stephen) of Oak Park, IL, and devoted son, Paul (Sarah) of Duluth, MN, former wife, Eileen of Madison WI, and six grandchildren (Ava, Camille, Aidan, Sam, Aria and Louis), as well as many cherished family and dear friends throughout the United States and Belgium.

A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19 ^th St, Superior, WI.  A visitation will begin at 10 am followed by a service at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation—of money or time—be made to a charitable organization fighting for the protections of civil rights, education, or the environment.