Ronald Lee Wankowicz Sr.

Ronald Lee Wankowicz, 89, of Arlington, Texas, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on September 19, 2025.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Ronald lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to family. For 63 years he was the beloved husband of Wilma Wankowicz, a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished great-grandfather.

Ronald honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958. Following his military service, he pursued a career in law enforcement, serving as a peace officer in Northville, Novi, and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna College, which prepared him for this role of dedication and integrity.

Later, Ronald transitioned to the aerospace industry, moving his family to Texas. He worked as an electrician with NASA/Ford Aerospace Houston, Texas and later with Northrop Grumman/Vought Aerospace in Grand Prairie, Texas, before retiring in 2007.

A man of deep faith, Ronald was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Arlington, where he found strength and fellowship. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Ronald also enjoyed many hobbies, including jewelry making, gardening, studying history and watching historical documentaries, reading scripture, traveling, sharing his love of firearms and marksmanship with his children and grandchildren, and browsing Lowe’s for home improvement projects.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wilma; his sons, Ron (Cody) and Tim (Viktoria); his grandchildren, Taylor Thompson (Caleb), Caitlyn Kaskabas (Ian), Ryne, Lyndsey, Nikolas, Nolan, Levi, and Hunter; his great-grandchild, Kodi; his sisters, Elaine Schmidt (Joe) and Christine Weber (Warren); his sister-in-law, Diane Wankowicz; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ronald was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy Wankowicz; his parents, Walter and Mary Wankowicz; and his brother, Daniel Wankowicz.

Ronald will be lovingly remembered for the devotion he showed to his family and the joy he found in every moment spent with them. His children and grandchildren will carry forward his values, his stories, and his love, and his absence will be deeply felt in their lives. Though he is no longer with us, the legacy of his faith, laughter, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him most.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 26th, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arlington. Arrangements are entrusted to Wade Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas. Interment will follow at a later date at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery.