Ronald Eugene Hess

Ronald Eugene Hess, at the age of 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at his home with his family. He was born September 24, 1941 to Frank and Helen Hess. Ron had five brothers and four sisters… Bob, Dan, Joe, John, Paul, Betty, Teresa, Diane, and Helen.

Ron participated at Niles High School and received his diploma from the U.S. Army when drafted, where he was a drill instructor before becoming a tank commander. After the Army, Ron worked numerous jobs in concrete and brick laying. A job at Simplicity Pattern Company, is where he met and married Sharon Ruth Kennedy on November 13, 1968. Ron and Sharon resided in Niles for a while before moving to Kennan, Wisconsin, buying a dairy farm and lived there seven years until an unfortunate accident caused them to move back to Eau Claire, Michigan. They bought an 80-acre farm on Meadowbrook Rd. and worked at Shepherd Products in St. Joseph, as a machine operator. He usually had a second job with John Adamas Concrete, pouring basements, foundations, floors, and sidewalks. Along with the two jobs, he worked on his farm always raising something… cattle, pigs, chickens, corn, hay, and kids. If there is one thing Ron taught his kids it was how to work! He loved raising things and being outside in the sun working hard. Ron and Sharon’s five children produced fifteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren with a sixth on the way.

Ronald Jr. (Nicole) Hess begot Joshua, Jacob (Ashley) with their daughter Presley, Jonah, and Jorge. Todd (Heather) Hess begot Ty (Katie) with their children Skye, Ryder, Saige, and Hank; Bryer, Rylie (Ben) Vinz, Clay, and Wayde. Lisa (Randall) Werner begot Samuel and Westin. Bradley (Pamela) begot Thomas (Meghan) and Alex (Bethany). Sherie Hiler begot Mason and Lillian.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, whom he was married to for 53 years. Towards the last years of his life he enjoyed mowing his lawn, rebuilding and painting older lawn tractors but hardly ever selling them. He loved a good western and you could usually catch him watching one if you stopped by or you may find him sitting at the table pondering life with a cigarette in hand. We’re going to miss you Dad, can’t wait to see you again.

Services will be held on Wednesday July 9, at Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Michigan at 1:00 PM. A public visitation will take place from 11:00 to 1:00 PM. Burial will follow the service with Military Rites at Sumnerville Cemetery in Sumnerville (Niles), Michigan.