Visitation, funeral set for Hopkins grad Ron Pilchlik

Ronald Scott Pichlik, 58, of Springfield, Mich., died suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday evening Aug. 23, at his home.

Ron was born on June 14, 1962, in Chicago. He graduated from Hopkins High School (Class of 1980), Grand Valley State University (1985) and University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law (1988). He passed the Michigan Bar Exam in 1989 and began his career at the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s office that same year.

Ron was an assistant prosecutor there until 1994 when he decided to set up his own shop and become a defense attorney. He ran the Law Office of Ronald S. Pichlik until 2018 when he joined the Kalamazoo Public Defenders’ Office.
Ron, outspoken on many things, was a fierce advocate for justice in his career on both sides of the criminal justice system. He was a devout Catholic his entire adult life. He was avid reader and loved to play golf.

Ron is survived by his son, Tyler Fifelski; sister, Cathy Kooman (Wayne); nieces, Kayla Richardson and Jessica Kooman; and scores of friends and co-workers.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Ronald (1985) and Delores (1998).
The celebration of Ron’s well lived life will include visitations and Catholic Mass at Saint Stanislaus Parish in Dorr Friday Sept. 4, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial starting at noon. After mass there will be a graveside committal at 1 p.m. at Maplewood Cemetery in Hopkins Township.

Donations may be made to the St. Stanislaus Parish. Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.