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Ronald Betzer Obituary
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Ronald L. Betzer Sr. 70, of Mishawaka, passed away unexpectedly doing what he loved on March 5, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida. Ron was born on October 9, 1953, in Mishawaka as the son of Harold and Pauline Betzer. On August 12, 1989, in Elkhart, IN, Ron married his soul mate, Diana Rodgers. They shared a love of animals, water, sun, and fishing. Ron was a diehard Yankees fan and was counting down for opening day of baseball.
Ron is survived by his wife of thirty-four years Diana; his son Ron Jr. (Amanda) Betzer; his daughter, Amy (Rod) Bracker; two granddaughters Hannah Cantrell and Makenna Beck; two grandsons, Ashton Leitch and Kaiden Leitch. Ron is also survived by his nephews, Rick Jr, Tony, Cory and Shane. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Judy and brothers, Rick Sr. and Gary. Per his wishes there will be no formal services. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with handling the local arrangements.
You are asked to remember Ron with a smile, a good memory, a sarcastic comment or a Donation to Meow Mission 2915 E. Mishawaka Ave. South Bend, IN 46615 or Pet Refuge 4626 S. Burnett Dr. South Bend, IN 46614
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Jules DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Jules DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Julia DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Julia DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
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Julia DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Jules DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Jules DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Jules DesLauriers
April 4, 2024
Julia Jules DesLauriers
March 24, 2024 6:36 AM
Its hard to put into words the shock, grief and sadness I feel since hearing of Rons sudden passing. Of course I am thinking of Diana and the pain this brings. Very seldom Do I find myself saying one´s name without the other. It´s always Ron &, Diana.
I first met Ron and Diana when I was working as a hospice nurse, and was assigned to the most adorable little old man I have ever met in my entire life. Andy!, Dianas Gramps. Ron and Diana had moved into Andys townhome to care for him. They spoiled him daily and it was a delight to watch the special bond Ron & Andy had together watching sports, sitting in the sun, etc Ron would fuss over Andy, while trying to maintain that tough guy image. It didn´t work, I saw through him right away. Ron was a teddy bear in disguise.
The grandkids were little still, and Ron spent hours with them in the summer, especially in the pool, fishing, or coaching their little league baseball team. In fact, Ron gave this old retired softball gal a chance to be an assistant coach with him. What a great time we had. Ron inspired the boys to play the game he loved. Those are memories I cherish.
Aside from the grandkids, Ron and Diana had the hound dogs.
Losing Brett was so hard and of course Ron kept saying they weren't going to get another dog, while everyone knew better. Healing hands of time, & finally he gave in. Diana said they drove home with their new ginger hound puppy while staying relatively quiet. Then, as they pull into the drive, Diana asked what should we name him? Ron declared "Andy, his name is Andy."
Oh man that gingerbread hound sure lived up to his name in so many adorable ways that brought immediate joy. Ron liked to complain about what a pain in the butt Andy was, while really he cherished every minute of it and then even decided to get another hound so Andy would have a friend. In came Amos. A poorly treated hound that needed confidence building with gentle discipline and lots of LOVE!
I think one of the sweetest things I ever saw Ron do was care for an abandoned litter of newborn kittens. They were fragile little things, who required constant care. Ron would get up every two hours to feed them and care for them. The litter grew up to be strong and healthy, a couple of which were adopted by Ron and Diana. Ron even managed to befriend the feral mama cat, a feat that seemed impossible but with Rons quiet patience, he gained her trust and eventually, she even became Ron and Diana´s house Cat who shares the house with many of her own offspring.
Ron wasnt one to openly display affection, however he always showed his love through the things he did.
Ron was a good man who lived a life of honor and integrity.
Im so grateful that I went to see Ron and Diane shortly before he left for Florida.
Boy, he sure hated our Indiana winters! My last conversation with Ron was when I called him in Florida to complain that we were having negative 15° weather. He, of course, relished in this, while proceeding to brag about their the beautiful weather, high temperature's and fishing plans.
Its more than fitting that Ron died while playing baseball. A simple, old fashion sport a lot like him. A game played well with skill and integrity. I will miss you, I love you, Ron.
Julia Jules DesLauriers
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George Vernasco
March 21, 2024
I'm soo very sorry to hear about my childhood friend. Ron and I as well as the whole family (everyone) !! go way back. We grew up as neighbors. We played
baseball together at the Southwest Little League. Let me tell you we were good !! Ron was the catcher and I was the pitcher. Together we won championships. As we grew up we did stay in touch just not as much. I love you "Buddy" We shall play ball again some day with your two brothers Gary and Rick.
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