Ronald Leroy Bien

Ronald Leroy Bien, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle was called to eternal rest on June 13th, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on September 18th, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was the son of the late John (Jack) and Luella (Wendlick) Bien.
He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Durand High School.  He married his high school sweetheart, Corine Adrienne (Maguire) Bien on June 10th, 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership.  
For more than 40 years, Ron successfully worked in agricultural sales for Watkins and McNess, consistently winning top honors for his dedicated performance and cultivating countless friendships along the way. Upon retirement, Ron enjoyed driving school bus, groundskeeping at the Durand golf course, and providing services at the Durand High School.
Ron and Corine shared a dream of having a large, happy family, which they accomplished with great pride. Throughout their 65 years together, they found so much joy in attending their children and grandchildren’s many events. They enjoyed gardening, grooming beautiful flowerbeds, traveling, and sharing in activities with family and friends.
Nothing mattered more to Ron than the love of family and he was known for creating a home where everyone was always warmly welcomed and felt a sense of belonging. As a passionate Green Bay Packer fan, Ron inspired generations of grandchildren to also become loyal fans. Ron loved grilling, preparing waffles, hosting family Green Bay Packer parties, playing cards and yard games, creating countless fun and memorable experiences for the grandchildren, including rides on his John Deere tractor and snow sledding.  
Ron was a selfless, humble man of deep faith, and was honored to be a Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Knight. A man of his word, he was highly compassionate and dedicated to helping others in the community, church, and family.  A natural leader with a generous soul, he championed the success of the Durand Fun Fest, St. Mary’s Fall Festival, Knights of Columbus activities, and coordinated Christmas caroling at care centers and to those who were homebound. It was common to find Ron being a good neighbor to many by baking and sharing his popular cinnamon rolls and loaves of bread and handling their mowing and plowing needs, expecting nothing in return. Known by friends as “Biener”, he loved gathering and bantering with his buddies, shaking dice, playing cards, and sharing some laughter. 
Left to honor Ron’s memory are his loving children, Debbie (Brian) Bechel, Diane Hunter (Randy Matherne), Lisa (Paul) Bien-Sinz, Laurie (Kirk) Harmon, Steve (Kristine) Bien, Shawn Schemenauer (Nick Blair), and Becky (Travis) Bien-Jilek. His legacy continues through his adored 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Ron was preceded in death by his wife Corine, parents John (Jack) and Luella Bien, in-laws Mark and Adeline Maguire, brother John Bien, sisters Rose (Tom) Harris and Carol Besse, son-in-law Ronald Hunter, grandson Devin Bien, and dear family friend James Bresina.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at Mayo Clinic Health System, the Palliative Care team and all who compassionately cared for Ron in his final days.
Visitation will be Monday, June 22nd from 4-7 p.m. at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, WI.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 23rd, at 1pm at St. James the Greater in Eau Claire, WI with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.  (Livestream available at https://youtube.com/live/ITvwZxkQuqA?feature=share). Immediately following the ceremony, a burial will be held at St. Mary’s cemetery in Durand followed by a celebration of life in the Orton Room at the Corral Bar & Riverside Grill.
In lieu of flowers, we invite memorial contributions to joshuafrase.org in honor of Ron’s beloved grandson. This foundation supports ongoing research for Myotubular Myopathy and other related neuromuscular disorders.
Condolences can be mailed to the attention of Ron Bien’s family at 215 West Fillmore, Eau Claire, WI 54701.