Ronald Erickson

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Ronald Gilbert Erickson, age 84 of Allendale, passed away on August 16, 2022. He was an amazing man. Ron was born October 24, 1937, to Leona and Charles Erickson of Michigan City, Indiana. He attended school at St. Mary’s and played football and ran track at Ball State University. He later earned a master’s degree from Andrews University and an Education Specialist Degree from Central Michigan University. On August 22, 1959, he married the love of his life, Kay Eleanor Bergquist, and had five children together: Dawn (Dan) Hildebrand of Allendale, Brad (Mary Kay) Erickson of Mason, Kristine (Jim) Gullen of Thompsonville, Gary (Akiko) Erickson of Columbus, Ohio, and David (Carrie) Erickson of Chantilly, Virginia. Ron loved having adventures and spending time with his 16 grandchildren: Ronald Buehler, Rhiannon Buehler, Charlie Buehler, Nickolas (Cassie) Stark, Hayden Erickson, Alexander (Erena) Erickson-Suzuki, Rachel Hildebrand, Jacob Hildebrand, Hunter Erickson, Antulio Erickson-Suzuki, Catherine Hildebrand, Lauren Erickson, Marissa Erickson, Calder Erickson, Sydney Erickson, and Sam Erickson. Ron lived a life full of faith, family, and friends. He is known for his strong will, for he would simply not give up. He was a founding member of St. Luke’s University Parish in Allendale and always had ideas of how to grow and improve the church. He spent his life as a teacher, counselor, coach, educator, and entrepreneur—forever a leader and learner. He loved connecting with and aspiring others. His impact and influence will be felt for generations to come. He loved to golf, play cards, watch the Chicago Bears, ride his electric lawn mower, give chipping lessons in the backyard, and attend the sporting events and activities of his kids and grandkids. He established an ‘Old Geezer Breakfast’ group which meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning for coffee and conversation. He made the world more interesting and joyous for those blessed to be around him. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at St. Luke University Parish, 10144 42nd Ave., Jenison, with Fr. Rob Mulderink and Fr. Bill Vander Werff co-officiating. Burial Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 6-7 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Allendalle) 6651 Scott St. and also from 10-11 am on Saturday prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ronald G. Erickson Memorial Fund, which will be used to benefit the St. Luke University Parish.