Ron Failmezger

Ronald William Failmezger

April 29, 1934-December 1, 2025

Ronald "Ron" Failmezger, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, in Milwaukie, Oregon. He was born on April 29, 1934, in Oregon City, Oregon, to Edward "Eddie" and Alice Dubendorf Failmezger.

Ron graduated from Lincoln High School and continued his education at Portland State University and Oregon State University, earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1958. A course in traffic engineering piqued his interest, and when he applied to the Oregon Highway Division (Now known as the Oregon Dept. of Transportation), that became his chosen field.

During this time, Ron met Kathryn "Kathy" Gettman, a secretary working for Ron's boss at the time in the Traffic Section. They began dating and married on January 30, 1959, at the Marion County Courthouse. Over the years, they lived in Salem, Keizer, La Grande, and Portland before building their forever home in Milwaukie in 1965.

In 1959, Ron served in the U.S. Air Force, completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas. After returning home, he served in the reserves until 1966, when he was honorably discharged.

Professionally, Ron distinguished himself as an accomplished traffic engineer, dedicating 64 years of service to the Oregon Department of Transportation and Kittelson & Associates. His expertise helped shape Portland's transportation infrastructure, and he was deeply committed to mentoring young engineers throughout his career.

On June 1, 1968, Ron made a life-changing commitment to Christ after hearing Billy Graham preach-a decision that profoundly influenced his life. He shared his Christian faith openly and found great joy in teaching others about God's grace.

Ron and Kathy were blessed with four children: Scott, Janet, April, and Ann. April died at birth on April 12, 1972. This trial in their lives brought Ron and Kathy closer and stronger in their faith.

Ron was an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular love for fastpitch softball, basketball, horseshoes, bowling, and fishing. Kathy's first date with Ron was watching him play softball despite a white lie that she loved softball.

He also loved gardening and was affectionately known as "Farmer Ron." Each year, his vegetable crops were bountiful, especially the asparagus. His blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries were plentiful. From his mini orchard came Italian prune plums and pears, which he generously shared.

He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Roy; his children Scott Failmezger (Suzie), Janet Failmezger, and Ann Hatch; grandchildren John Hatch and Amanda Hatch; step-grandchildren Heidi Dunn (Adel B'Ghiel) and Crystal Miller (Rod); and step-great-grandchildren Jocelyn Miller, Omar B'Ghiel, and Tariq B'Ghiel.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy, his brother Larry, and his daughter April.

His enduring legacy of faith, family, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday January 24, 2026, at Clackamas Bible Church, 15655 SE Johnson Road, Clackamas, Oregon.

For more information about Ron's 64 years of transportation work click here:

https://www.kittelson.com/news-and-events/transportation-in-portland-a-career-50-years-in-the-making/

https://www.kittelson.com/news-and-events/kittelson-colleagues-celebrate-ron-failmezgers-six-decades-of-success-impact-on-emerging-professionals/