Ronald "Ron" L. Douglas, age 69 of Beaver Dam and a long-time educator and coach, died Saturday September 4, 2010 at St. Agnes hospital in Fond du Lac. Ron was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on July 7, 1941 to John and Muriel (nee Sara) Douglas. After graduating from Waukesha High School, where he was a star athlete and played the lead in a number of musicals, Ron was offered a football scholarship to the University of Wisconsin - Madison. After an injury ended his football career, he joined the United States Army, wherein he served with the 101st Airborne Division, from 1963-66. While in the Army, Ron threw javelin on the all-Army track team, competing at the national level. Ron met the love of his life in 1965 when his high school coach and long-time friend introduced him to Judith ("Judy") A. Linden. They were married on August 17, 1968, in Chicago, IL. Ron and Judy's first child, Dania Marie, was born in 1976 and their son, Ian Andrew, followed in 1979. Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1974 with a B.A. in Broad Field Social Studies and later received his Masters in School Business Management. He began his career as a teacher in the Stone Bank school district, serving as a teacher and administrator for almost 30 years. He retired from the Dodgeland School District in 1998 where he was principal since 1989.

He was a dedicated track coach and mentor; he and Judy co-founded the Kettle Moraine track club in the 1970s, and coached several athletes to Junior Olympic and national age group titles. He then coached his own children in the shotput, discus, and javelin, and after retiring from Dodgeland helped coach the track and field team at Beaver Dam High School. As a dedicated coach and parent he traveled across the country to attend his children's athletic events. Ron volunteered in the community as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.

Ron is survived by his wife, Judith Douglas of Beaver Dam; his children, Dania and Ian Douglas, both of Washington D.C.; his brother, William "Bill" (Joy Eberhardt) Douglas of Lake Placid, FL; his sister, June Jacobson of Rockford, IL; his brother-in-law, Kenneth (Carol) Linden of Dallas, TX; and his sister-in-laws, Elaine Douglas of Palmyra and Marlene Douglas of Waukesha. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Robert "Bob", Edward and Gerald Douglas.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 215 Gould Street, Beaver Dam with Rev. Robert Hoskins officiating. Visitation will take place on Thursday from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the church. A light luncheon will be served immediately following the Service.

Memorials may be directed to the Beaver Dam High School track and field program.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.Click HERE to view Ronald's Life Tribute Video.