Ronald James Wulfeck

Master Sergeant Ronald James Wulfeck, Retired USAF, was a man whose entire life was defined by service and leadership by example. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Ron followed his Grandfather Wallace Wulfeck (a Spanish-American War Veteran) in military service and later his father Howard Wulfeck as a firefighter. Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956 and served with distinction in Alaska, Moses Lake, WA, California, Roses Air Station near Figueres, Spain, Vietnam, Vermont, and St. Petersburg, Florida. From 1966 through1967 he served as an air traffic controller on Monkey Mountain (620th TCS) during the Vietnam War. In that high-intensity environment, Ron supported fighter pilots on more than 200 special tactical missions, earning him membership in the prestigious and highly selective “Club 200.” Ron was also honored in Vietnam as “Airman of the Month”, he was specifically recognized for his exceptional performance and his ability to maintain a cool head under intense pressure and fire—qualities that saved lives when every second counted. Even amid the demands of war, Ron and his fellow servicemen found time to care for an orphanage in Da Nang, bringing comfort and support to young children who had lost everything—a quiet but profound act of compassion that revealed the heart behind the uniform. After returning to the U.S., Ron continued to serve. He later joined the 37th Aeromedical Evacuation Group as a flight medic while also building a civilian career as a LT. Firefighter for the city of Dunedin, Florida, where he also served as their Union President. In 1980 he ran for City Commissioner in nearby Clearwater, driven by the same desire to improve his community that had motivated him throughout his life. Every role public or civilian reflected the same steady integrity, work ethic, and willingness to step up. Those who knew Ron remember him best for his kindness, honesty, and forward-moving spirit. He led by example, encouraging strength of character, hope, and generosity in everyone around him. He took genuine delight in hearing about his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, always cheering them onward with unwavering belief in their potential. Above all, Ron loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was baptized at Sacred Heart Church in Savannah, GA 1959 at age 21. His other passions included politics and sports, topics he followed with the same thoughtful interest he brought to everything else. At 6’5” tall he played competitive basketball including representing the USAF in Spain. Ron’s legacy is the quiet certainty that one person’s consistent service, whether guiding pilots through danger, rushing into burning buildings, caring for orphans, or simply showing up for family—can make the world better. The Lord was indeed very good to us through him. We Love You Forever Dad!

Waiting for him in heaven as he passed, were his parents Howard and Betty Wulfeck and Lillian and George Froehle. Also preceding him was his beloved wife Paulette Wulfeck and Bonus son Chad Zbinden as well as Ron’s brother Craig Alan Wulfeck, close cousin Patricia Chaney, grandson Chadrick Cornwell and others.

Surviving Ron is his sister-in-law Carole Wulfeck and her family, his daughter Wendy and Steve Alston family, his son Michael and LaDonna Wulfeck family, his son Stephen and Gillaine Wulfeck family, and his Bonus daughters Tami Foster -Golden and Ranelle Golden. Ron also has 7 grandchildren (Dustin and Bobbi, Matthew and Jenny, Lyndsey and Bryan, David and Ashley, Sandra and Joshua, Chriscella, and (Chadrick (RIP) and Chasity). His 18 Great Grandchildren are Lillian, Jayden, Kiser, Lorelai, Destiny, Layla, Isaac, Nathaniel, Emily, Meredith, Avielle, Caroline, Lilah, Luna, Benjamin, Loki, Wilder and Caleb. Ron also has one Great-Great Grand-daughter Kaia Rose.

Ronald J Wulfeck together with his late loving wife of 35 yrs Paulette Wulfeck (Runnels) will be Inurned at the Dayton National Cemetery in ceremony on February 20, 2026.