Ronald A “Ron” Guertel
May 31st, 1936 - February 21st, 2023
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Ron's Obituary
Ronald A. “Ron” Guertel, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 2PM, at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 2PM until 4PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph or Marie Yeager Cancer Center, 3900 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ron was born on May 31, 1936, to Andrew & Elizabeth (Kliemchen) Guertel in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Eau Claire High School and then continued his education at Lake Michigan College. Ron proudly served in the United States National Guard from 1958 until 1962. Following his years in the service, he worked for Whirlpool Corp. and then as a draftsman for Clark Equipment. On May 14, 1960, Ron married the love of his life Bobbi Knight in St. Joseph. In 1970, Ron and Bobbi bought Walter’s Paint and Wallpaper in downtown St. Joseph, changing the name to Guertel’s Home Decorating in 1984. Owning the paint store, he made a lot of friends in the community and was well respected by painters and customers. He was well known as the “stain and paint matching master”.
As an active community member, Ron was a member of the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, Berrien Hills Country Club and First Congregational Church. Ron loved his family and friends dearly and was their biggest supporter. Everyone that knew Ron would agree on one thing: he had the most infectious smile that would immediately light up a room. He was as strong as a bull; his hugs in particular would leave you breathless because of the amount of love he wanted to squeeze into you.
Ron loved boating and owned several boats. Ron was the biggest MSU fan, he loved tailgating and attending football games. He even went as far as ordering a green and white conversion van!
Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years Bobbi Guertel; daughters, Kristi (Mike) Vasta and Beth (Gregg) Beaudette; grandchildren, Ty Vasta, Shelby (Kevin) Weber, Blayne Beaudette, Griffin Beaudette and Brielle Beaudette; great-grandchildren, Rhett Weber and Baylor Weber; sister Kathy (David) Knight; brother Robert Guertel; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew & Elizabeth Guertel and sister Joan Harner.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 2PM, at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, February 26, 2023, from 2PM until 4PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph or Marie Yeager Cancer Center, 3900 Hollywood Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ron was born on May 31, 1936, to Andrew & Elizabeth (Kliemchen) Guertel in Benton Harbor. He graduated from Eau Claire High School and then continued his education at Lake Michigan College. Ron proudly served in the United States National Guard from 1958 until 1962. Following his years in the service, he worked for Whirlpool Corp. and then as a draftsman for Clark Equipment. On May 14, 1960, Ron married the love of his life Bobbi Knight in St. Joseph. In 1970, Ron and Bobbi bought Walter’s Paint and Wallpaper in downtown St. Joseph, changing the name to Guertel’s Home Decorating in 1984. Owning the paint store, he made a lot of friends in the community and was well respected by painters and customers. He was well known as the “stain and paint matching master”.
As an active community member, Ron was a member of the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, Berrien Hills Country Club and First Congregational Church. Ron loved his family and friends dearly and was their biggest supporter. Everyone that knew Ron would agree on one thing: he had the most infectious smile that would immediately light up a room. He was as strong as a bull; his hugs in particular would leave you breathless because of the amount of love he wanted to squeeze into you.
Ron loved boating and owned several boats. Ron was the biggest MSU fan, he loved tailgating and attending football games. He even went as far as ordering a green and white conversion van!
Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years Bobbi Guertel; daughters, Kristi (Mike) Vasta and Beth (Gregg) Beaudette; grandchildren, Ty Vasta, Shelby (Kevin) Weber, Blayne Beaudette, Griffin Beaudette and Brielle Beaudette; great-grandchildren, Rhett Weber and Baylor Weber; sister Kathy (David) Knight; brother Robert Guertel; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew & Elizabeth Guertel and sister Joan Harner.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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