Ronald Kimberlin

Ronald “Ron” Kimberlin 1948 - 2017 Ron Kimberlin, age 69 of Walker Michigan, with his wife at his side, passed away peacefully October 25, 2017. He will be greatly missed by Debby, his wife of 46 years; brother Dennis (Betsy) Kimberlin; sister Laura (Jim) McKay; sister-in-law Gale Kimberlin; 7 nieces and nephews; and 14 great nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his cousins, especially Bill and Mike Casady; Bonnie Nicholson, Jerry, John and Dan Sanburn. Also, very dear to Ron are his best friends Colleen Barber; Doug and Sona Barnes; Jeri Galloway and Char Firlik. Ron was preceded in death by his brother Steve Kimberlin; cousin Dave Edgar; nephew Luke Kimberlin; his parents Lillian and Clarence Kimberlin. Ron graduated from Ferris State University in Big Rapids with a Bachelor’s Degree in Drafting; and from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids with a second Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He started his career at Haven Busch Co. in Grandville Michigan where he became a structural steel detailer (draftsman), then a checker, and finally a computer programmer that specialized in truss design. Later Ron Joined Doug Huyser who started Classic Engineering in downtown Grand Rapids. Ron built a successful client base and used AutoCAD to make his client’s drawings. He retired from Steel Systems Inc. and worked for Jay VanDusen. Ron liked all the people he worked with and he loved his work. A voracious reader and music lover, he loved books about the Civil War, science, anthropology, mathematics and mystery thrillers. Ron also loved donuts, canoeing, camping, backpacking and hiking. With his brothers Steve and Dennis, backpacked on Isle Royale and Pictured Rocks in Lake Superior. He backpacked with friends Doug Barnes and Jeri Galloway on North and South Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan. Ron canoed many Michigan rivers, but his favorite was the Pere Marquette in Baldwin. He even canoed and camped in the middle of winter on the Au Sable River in Grayling with his good friend Dave Hollar and his father-in-law Rex Krausbauer. He canoed and camped on the Pere Marquette from Baldwin to Scottsville with his brothers-in-law Curt and Pat Krausbauer; and his father-in-law Rex Krausbauer. Ron loved his family and friends. Ron was one of the good guys; he was the best of men. He never yelled, lost his cool or blew up at anyone. He never said bad things about people and was somewhat shy around new people. He was polite, non-judgmental and accepted everyone. Ron loved a lively discussion about politics and current events. He will be missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday November 4th at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont MI 49306. The family will greet relatives and friends Friday November 3rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the service Saturday. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ronald Kimberlin please visit our Sympathy Store.