Ronald Bell

 Ronald G. Bell

Frankenmuth, MI

Ronald George Bell walked into the loving arms of Jesus on Sunday August 31, 2025.

Ron was born June 20, 1937 to the late George and Arlene (Gueldenzopf) Bell. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Matthew’s Lutheran church with the verse Luke 10:42 –“ Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Being a lifelong member, he taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, was congregation president and even gave a laymen’s sermon or two. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1954. He attended Bay City Junior College and earned his Associate of Arts degree. At the same time he received an appointment to the Naval Academy where he served for two years. He resigned from the academy in 1958, his reason being his desire to go back to college and he didn’t feel he could give the Navy his all. If Ron couldn’t give whatever he was involved in his very best he would rather not do it at all. He did follow up with a stint in the Naval Reserves serving for 20 years, 11months, and 21 days, retiring in 1976. His Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree came from UofM Flint. After 6 years at GM he took over as Controller at Wm. C. Wiechmann Company where he remained for 26 years. When Wiechmann’s closed in 1992 he was unemployed for exactly one day before being hired at Yeo and Yeo CPA’s and Business Consultants. He officially retired in 2012.

Ron met his future bride Barbara Elaine Gidley, while working at Weichmann’s. They were married on October 8, 1960 and just missed celebrating their 65th anniversary. Their union created 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. His children, Lynn (Ken) Maurer, Alan (Lisa) Bell, Wayne (Jennifer) Bell, Patricia (Thomas) Zehnder, and Julie (Kirk) Reinbold are thankful he passed on his strong work ethic, his commitment to finishing what you start, and his love of family time.

Ron had lots of hobbies. He was a wonderful pianist and would often play us a rousing rendition of “Ballin the Jack”. He was an avid gardener for most of his life and grew enough to put away for the winter and to share. The fruit trees are still producing. He played blooper ball for 24 years and was inducted into The Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1999. Bowling on both men’s leagues and mixed doubles he attended 19 ABC National Tournaments. Ron coached and organized the Saturday Junior Bowling Program. When he retired from it 80 youngsters were enrolled in the program. Although never bowling a 300 game he did shoot a hole in one at the Fortress and one at the Timbers within 11 months of each other. His golfing friends and son-in-law still don’t think that’s fair. An enthusiastic card player Ron continued to play through his illness with many friends and family who overlooked a misstep here and there, allowing him to continue doing something he enjoyed so much.

Ron believed in serving and using your talents for community good. To that end he served on numerous boards including Frankenmuth Parks and Recreation, Frankenmuth Township, Wickson-Link Library Foundation, Frankenmuth Credit Union, the Frankenmuth Softball Association, and with the synod through his church.

Ron had a tremendous sense of humor and loved playing practical jokes. His grandchildren, Paige (Ben) Smith, Alex Maurer, Faith (Doyle) Webb, Alyssa (Corey) Stooksberry, Krista (Mike) Carpenter, Matthew (Courtney) Maki, Meagan Bell, Shawn (Ashley) Zehnder, Lance and Stephanie Zehnder, Brooke (Max) Ketelhut, Travis and Garrett Reinbold, were often on the receiving end of those pranks and they loved it! His quick wit, endless teasing and genuine love for them is something they will always cherish. He always adored the little ones and many a time the babies were found sleeping on grandpa’s chest.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Roger, Ila Mae, and Kenneth.

Alzheimer’s might have taken his memories, but it didn’t diminish the love and respect for the wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather that he was. We’ll be forever grateful.

Funeral Service will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. Rev. Gerald Ferguson will officiate. Ron’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Thursday September 4th from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday September 5th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials in his honor to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church or St. Lorenz Girls of Grace Ministry.