Ronald Joseph Lenard, age 80 of Ottawa County, died Friday, Jan. 23.
He was the youngest in his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrenze and Mary (Yogovich) Lenard, and siblings Kenneth Lenard, June Norman, Ruth Hilaski, Leland (Skip) Lenard, and Donna Graczye.
Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet (Plummer ) Lenard; children Rhonda (Mike) Mott, Robert (Shari) Lenard, Stacey Merignac, and Melissa (Jeremy) VandenBerg; grandchildren Alivia Mott, Audrey Lenard, Ashley Lenard, Alley (Colin) Snyder, Isaac Merignac, Alex Merignac, Eva Merignac, Savanna VandenBerg, Gabriel VandenBerg, and Sophia VandenBerg.
Ron was born and raised on the family farm still owned by family. He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1964 and then went to work for General Motors at the 36th Street diesel plant for 35 plus years. In 1968, Ron and Janet bought a farm close by the family farm and raised four children.
Ron enjoyed farming – raising horses, cattle, and trucking cattle. He also enjoyed having a variety of dogs, from German shepherds, heelers, beagles, and many hounds for coon hunting. He enjoyed the outdoor for hunting, farming, and watching his children show horses and steers for many years of 4-H and fairs.
He enjoyed family get togethers, but if you knew Ron he loved auction sales and attending sale barns. He eventually became an auctioneer. He was a devoted Catholic and loved his church. He will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 4330 18th St, Dorr. A Rosary will take place at 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church, 2459 146th Ave., Byron Center, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ron, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church.
