Ronald J. "Ron" Christie

God has called our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend home. Ronald Joseph Christie, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 4, 2025. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on November 30, 1940 to the late Albert and Virginia (Nowicki) Christie. Graduated from Bay City St. James Highschool in 1958, upon graduation he proudly served his country with the U.S. Army, Military Police. He was stationed in Germany where he met and married the love of his life of 54 years Dagmar (Benkowitz) on May 30, 1960 in Ansbach Germany. He was a devoted catholic and an active member of St. Hedwigs-Corpus Christi Parish. Ron’s life was one of service to his family and church. He loved his bowling leagues and partners. He enjoyed golfing and walking in races around Michigan, and always loved a good hand of schmear and poker, as well as blooper ball and wood carving. He worked at Nodgler Grey Iron Foundry, retiring in 1992. He then worked in the Athletic Department at Delta College, where he dedicated himself in personal training, training the police Academy and becoming the assistant coach for the men’s delta soccer team. He received Awards for speed walking, Bowling, and Dog Shows.

Left to cherish his memories are his three children, Karin (John) Kubczak, Michelle Christie and Pete Christie; granddaughters, Amie Hoppe, Lisa (Jeremy) Parent, Ryann (Chad) Mitchell and grandson, Tyler Christie; great grandchildren, Landon Hoppe, Aubrey, Eden, and Jude Parent; nieces and nephews, Frank, Peter and Leondro Benkowitz, Andrea and Katrin Sdun; Rons close and dear friend Joan Spyhalski and family, the Irene and Gene Mindykowski family, beloved cousins, Gail Gregg, Shaye Wilcox, Denise Flores, and Kim Moore, and Their Families. In addition to his wife, Ron was also preceded in death by his parent’s, mother and father-in-law, and his two sisters; brother-in-law, Lothar Benkowitz; and sisters-in-law, Gudrun Sdun and Ilsa Benkowitz .

Rons family would like to express their sincere thanks to Ashley Williams and Riley Biermaker, who were his caretakers, his neighbors, Chad (Brooke) Piechowiak and the Saginaw Aleda VA Hospital in Saginaw for their outstanding care they provided Ron.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Corpus Christi Parish. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Robert H. Byrne with entombment following at St. Patrick’s Mausoleum. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to Bay County Animal Control and Wishes of the Family.