Ronald Klausing

LIMA — Ronald J. Klausing, 79, of Lima, passed away at 3:27 AM on Monday, October 23, 2018 at his residence.

He was born on September 27, 1939 in Delphos, OH to George and Marie (Gerdeman) Klausing, who both preceded him in death. On February 18, 1995, he married Nancy Neil, who survives in Lima.

Ron graduated from St. Gerard High School and then graduated from The Ohio State University in 1961. He began his working career at Kroger, Indianapolis, worked for Babcock Dairy, Toledo Ron and Co-founder Jim Illig started I & K Distributors in 1966 with a great group of employees and created a first class food manufacturing and distribution business employing more than 750 people in six states.

He was a member of Shawnee Country Club, the Elks, the Eagles and the Kiwanis Club, all of Lima. He was a past board member of the Huntington Bank and was a member of the Refrigerated Foods Association and a past president of the Delphos Country Club.

Ron was an avid golfer (He hit more shots on the "Toe" or "Heel" than anyone). He was also an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns and coached little league baseball and women's softball in Delphos. He was recognized as a Distinguished Food Service Alumni by Ohio State in 1989 and 1994 Entrepreneur of the Year. He was an anonymous giver to people in need, and helped several entrepreneurs start their own businesses.

Surviving are his wife Nancy (Neil) Klausing of Lima; his children Don (Mary Kay) Klausing of Delphos, Dave (Sherry) Klausing of Cape Coral, FL, John (Nancy) Klausing of Delphos, Jeffrey Klausing of Delphos, Greg (Trisha) Klausing of Kalida and Sue (Mark) Gerker of Delphos; his step-children Stacy (Michael) Nelson of Tipp City, OH, Debbie (James) Bowman of Elida and Greg (Linda) Bowersock of Anna, OH; his siblings Janet (Charles) Hatfield of Arizona, John (Karen) Klausing of Lima and Carol (Don) Lengerich of Decatur, IN; his sister-in-law Jane Klausing of Nebraska; his grandchildren Lauren (Mike) Chapman, Isaac, James, Kaitlyn, Derek, Josh, Tyler and Ryan Klausing, Maya, Adam and Jack Gerker; his step-grandchildren Bridget and Bobby Grothjan, Andrew and Trey Bowman, Kyle and Frankie Bowersock and Adam Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy Ann Klausing; his brother Bob Klausing; his granddaughter Emily Elizabeth Klausing; his infant sister Janice Klausing.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, October 28, 2018 at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL, where a parish wake service will be held at 8:00 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, October 29, 2018 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lima, with Father David M. Ross, officiating.

Entombment will be in the Gethsemani Cemetery Mausoleum immediately following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice or the Delphos Baseball Association.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Glenn Bryant and the staff at Lima Memorial Hospital for the tremendous care they gave to Ron.

Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.