Ronald J. Darling

A Celebration of Ron's Life will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Cancer Center, in c/o the funeral home.
Age 60 of Kalamazoo passed away Wednesday afternoon, April 16, 2025. Ron was born in Plainwell, on May 13, 1964, the son of Marvin and Louise (Reading) Darling. Ron proudly served his nation in the United States Air Force. On November 13, 1984, he married Margaretha "Maggie" Albert who preceded him in death in 2016. Ron graduated from Otsego High School and worked for many years as an automotive mechanic. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, fast cars and music. He loved being out in nature and enjoyed foraging for mushrooms. Ron is survived by his children, Kimberly Darling, Angelique Drijkoningen, Steven Drijkoningen; grandchildren, Griffin, Evan, Destiny, Oliver, Ronnie; his parents, Marvin and Louise Darling; siblings, Pam (Ed) Marsh, and Jeff Darling; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Besides his wife, Ron was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Christine Darling; an uncle, Al Reading.