Ron Dobratz, wrestling writer and aficionado, passed
away Saturday February 11, 2006 at the age of 64. Ron,
a non-smoker, battled lung cancer and had a lung
removed in the process. Recent bouts with pneumonia
and a heart attack left him too weak to even speak.
His many friends in the wrestling community will miss
him dearly.

Ron started attending matches way back in the Fred
Kohler days, making many two hour trips to Chicago’s
Marigold Arena from his home in Rockford, IL. Ron was
an avid collector of wrestling results and in the very
early 70’s began publishing the Wrestling Information
Bulletin. He listed comprehensive results from all
over the country and began writing stories about the
wrestlers and their territories. He later went on to
publish several editions of Wrestling Digest Magazine.
All the while, he continued writing for several other
publications on the sport.

Ron could converse with anyone in the business at an
extremely high level. His memory of the guys and the
angles used way back in the 50’s was just incredible.
He could tell you stories of the old days rattling off
names like Ronnie Etchison, Billy Goelz and Don Leo
Jonathan, when he was the most feared terror of the
mat.

Ron was always willing to help upstarts with
information and references and was instrumental in
getting me and close friend, Vic Eagles (Orlandino),
into the game back in the 70’s. For that I am deeply
indebted.

Ron had attended WFIA conventions and a few
conventions in Newton, Iowa; but I think his biggest
thrill was coming to the CAC convention a few years
ago where he delighted in passing out free copies of
his publications to the guys who were featured inside
its covers. He was quite familiar with all the guys
but had a special place in his heart for all his AWA
buddies. We’ll miss you Ron. Reazest Eazin Peazeace!

Steve Dalton (Bellendir)

Ron was a friend of wrestling, and will be missed.  Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and fans....