Rev. Ronald “Ron” O. Nybroten
Rev. Ronald “Ron” O. Nybroten, 87, of Stoughton, WI, entered the arms of his Savior, June 25, 2025, surrounded by his three sons and his sister.
Ronald was born April 29, 1938, in Rockford, IL, to Oscar and Marion Nybroten, and grew up on a farm in Cadiz Springs Township near Monroe, WI. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1956, and began college at St. Olaf in Northfield, MN. After two years, Ronald transferred, along with his sister, Dorothea, to Luther College in Decorah, IA, graduating in 1962.
Ronald met the love of his life, LaMay Corine Sexe, at Luther. They were married August 10, 1963, at Faith Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick. Ron earned his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in 1966, and was ordained into Word and Sacrament Ministry that same year.
Pastor Nybroten served the American Lutheran Churches in Hogeland and Turner, MT, Westby Coon Prairie and Vang Lutheran Churches in Westby, and from 1974–2003, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in New Glarus. From 1974–1990, he also served Primrose Lutheran Church in rural Belleville. Pastor Nybroten made a lasting impact on the community of New Glarus through his compassionate pastoral care, deep relationships, and genuine interest in people’s stories and faith journeys. He was a trusted presence through both life’s joys and sorrows.
Ron was known for his gentle spirit, thoughtful prayers, and unwavering faith. He served as Dean of the South Central Wisconsin District and on the boards of Lutheran Social Services and Lutherdale Bible Camp. He also served as an ambulance driver and volunteer chaplain in Green County—quiet expressions of his servant heart.
Ron and LaMay loved traveling together. They visited the Holy Land, Jordan, Greece, Turkey, Norway (including Ron’s ancestral home in Bagn), and many parts of Europe. They also explored nearly every U.S. National Park, treasuring the beauty of creation and the adventure of discovery.
In retirement, they became active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oregon, WI, where Ron continued to offer prayerful support, wisdom and encouragement to others. His faith was steady and present throughout all seasons of his life.
Ron is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Nathan and Kathleen (Hoekman), Tim and Chandra (Philo), Phil and Megan (Totel); grandchildren: Hannah, Joshua, Jenna, Noah, and Abigail; sister, Dorothea Lind; brother-in-law, Maynard Saxe; sister-in-law, Charlene Saxe; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, LaMay; parents, Oscar and Marion Nybroten; in-laws, Leonard and Adella Sexe; brothers-in-law: Rev. Richard Lind, Aldred Sexe, LaVern Saxe; and an infant Sexe brother; and sisters-in-law: Florence Saxe and Ardis Sexe.
A service was held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oregon, WI. Visitation began at 9:30 a.m. A second service and interment will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Hegg, WI, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Luncheons will follow both services.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oregon, or North Beaver Creek Faith Lutheran Church, Ettrick.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. We love you, Dad.”
The Nybroten family extends heartfelt thanks to dad’s oncologists at SSM Health, the care team at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, Kratz Funeral Home, and Pastor Ellen from St. John’s Lutheran Church for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.
