Loyal Gene Rongholt, age 78, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 1, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Loyal was born on May 6, 1947, in Eau Claire, WI, to George and Lorraine Rongholt. He grew up on a farm in Eleva and graduated from Eleva-Strum Central High School in 1965.

Following high school, Loyal proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Echo Company, from 1965 to 1969. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1965 to 1966, an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of duty, discipline, and quiet strength. After serving as an infantryman in the Vietnam War, he continued his service in the Marines by working as a corrections specialist at Portsmouth Naval Prison, in Kittery, ME. During his time in Maine, he met his first wife Debbie, with whom he had his daughters Laura and Terina.

After his military service, he moved back to Wisconsin where he attended Chippewa Valley Technical College, where he completed his education in Mechanical Design. Over the years, he worked for Menards, Uniroyal, and later dedicated 20 plus years of service with the United States Postal Service, from which he retired.

In 1982, Loyal married the love of his life, Karen, and together they blended their families. He was blessed with two daughters from his previous marriage, two sons and a daughter from Karen’s previous marriage, and one son together, creating a large, loving family.

Loyal was deeply involved in his faith and church community. He participated in mission trips to Mexico, Idaho, Iowa, and Minnesota, served faithfully as an Elder and Usher for many years, and supported church life alongside his wife, Karen, who was active in the Lutheran Women’s Mission League, helping organize and support church events.

Loyal and Karen cherished country living, raising animals, fishing together, and cheering on their beloved Green Bay Packers—true fans through and through. Their love for adventure took them across the nation, as they proudly traveled to all 50 states together.

He is survived by his children: Laura (Paul), Terina (Tom), Shawn (Erica), Shane (Emily), Heather, and William (Janaya). He was a proud grandfather to: Trisha (Dakotah), Autumn (Eric), Dominik, Paxtyn, Slader, Dylan (Elizabeth), Olivia, Brooklyn, Rheyannon (Hunter), Sawyer, Meyah, and Liam. A cherished great-grandfather to Alaina.

Loyal had many talents and hobbies that reflected his patient, hands-on nature. He loved woodworking and wood carving, leather carving, small engine repair, and taking peaceful walks. He found joy in creating, fixing, and quietly appreciating the world around him.

Loyal Gene Rongholt will be remembered for his devotion to family, faith, and country; his strong work ethic; his genuine smile; his ability to make others smile; his generous heart; and the steady, loving presence he offered to all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2385 Highway 297A, Cantonment, FL 32533. Fellowship and lunch will follow the service. A graveside memorial with Military Honors, along with a Celebration of Life, will be held in Wisconsin in May.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Manna Food Bank Donate - MANNA FoodBank