Ronald Frederick Nolan

Ronald Frederick Nolan, age 77, of Roscommon, died on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the presence and comfort of his family.

Ron was born December 26, 1947, in Kenton, Ohio, the son of Daniel and Naomi (Fowler) Nolan.

Ron grew up and went to school in Mio, Michigan, where he played football, basketball, and

baseball. After high school Ron attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1970 where he began teaching at Williamston, Michigan. Always a sports fan, he also coached football, basketball, and baseball at Williamston. He moved to Roscommon in 1980 where he began his long-term career of woodworking. In his free time, Ron raced canoes for several years, coming in first place in the 1983 Au Sable River Canoe Marathon Race in the Amateur Division. Ron was right at home living in Northern Michigan and enjoyed many years fishing on the Au Sable.

Ron will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Tina (Jim) Monroe; three grandchildren, Brad Monroe, Karla (Travis) Finch, and Marissa Monroe; two great-grandchildren, Harper and Holly; sisters, Shelley (John) Braden of Fremont, MI, and Carol (Arnie) Matthews of Lupton, MI; brother, Mike Nolan of Danville, Il; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents.

Thoughts of Ronald, from his daughter, Tina: Dad had a variety of friends who I've heard about throughout the years. I've had the pleasure of speaking with some of them recently, unfortunately under these circumstances, and I appreciate all their stories. The common theme is he was a great storyteller, and if something out of the ordinary was going to happen to someone, it happened to my dad. Special thanks to Graying Mercy Hospital and the ICU team at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for taking such good care of my dad while he was there. And a special thanks to Dr. Kashrap, who allowed me to have two more conversations with my dad that otherwise I would not have had.

There will be a memorial service in late September, friends and family will be contacted.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.