Ronald Michael Zehel

Ronald Michael Zehel, 49, born on November 23, 1966 in Lorain, Ohio passed away August 14, 2016. He resided in Palm Springs, CA at the time of his passing. Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Ron graduated from Lorain Catholic High School in 1985 and continued his education at Ohio State University in Columbus. Ron lived in The Netherlands for twelve years and became fluent in the Dutch language. His love of reading led him to a position as department manager at 'The American Bookstore,' Den Haag and Amsterdam. He returned to the United States and lived in Palm Springs, CA for the past four years. The influence of Ron's parents was always evident in his love for music. Ron is survived by his parents, Peggy A. Zehel and Ronald W. Zehel of Palm Desert, CA, his sister, Lindsey Zehel of Portland, OR, Aunt and Uncle John and Marie Casper of Mission Viejo, CA, Aunt Joan Teli of Charlotte, NC, Aunt Phyllis Smith of Lorain, OH, and many beloved cousins and friends. Preceding Ron in death are maternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Helen Doraski and paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William and Phyllis Zehel. 'SHAPED BY THE RIVER' - WRITTEN BY RONALD MICHAEL ZEHEL: Set your souls adrift on the river of life. Open your eyes and see it flow by. Be youself and find your current. All pour ourselves into the Sea of Truth. We are all one, together in the same river, guided seaward by the love of the Absolute. One is all and all is one, and we are all simply drifting homeward. In the river we are one, shaped by Truth to become who we are. Formed by currents not of our making, all we encounter is meant to be. Look inward and see the message which was implanted at the river's source. Be who you are, your life's the message, all different and somehow the same. The river forms you without your knowledge, exposing and shaping your soul with every curve and bend. Use the river, it's meant to guide you. Swim with certainty, reach out to those who flounder. Open outwards and be the river, for it is us and we are it. Encompass others in you, sharing souls our hearts entwine. Love the hand that guides you downstream, feel the warmth of knowing what is to be. As the river gathers force, prepare your soul as it enters the mouth. Flow with confidence from the river to the sea, you have been here all along. For who were you before you were?