Ronald Jay Vlietstra

Ronald Jay "Ron" Vlietstra, age 70, of Plainwell, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2024. He is now in Heaven experiencing pure JOY! Romans 8:35-39 is his life verse.

He was born in Kalamazoo on October 25, 1953, to Roger and Bettie Vlietstra. Ron graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School with the class of 1971. He also graduated from Calvin College in 1975. He played varsity soccer for all four years while there. 

On August 9, 1975, he married his high school sweetheart Susan Haak. He taught 5th grade at North Christian Grade School for five years. Ron joined the family business Vlietstra Brothers Swim Pool Company and became an owner. He loved his job and met so many wonderful people! He also served on the church council, was a young people's leader, and was involved in other organizations. He is a member of North Point Church. Ron loved hunting, reading books, snow skiing, riding motorcycles, and building houses. 

In 1995, he was diagnosed with leukemia. He was determined to stay positive and take whatever they threw at him. In 2006, he had a Bone Marrow Transplant. He felt blessed that God gave him another 18 years. Ron was able to meet his BMT donor, Scott Ramey, from Kentucky. We will always be thankful to God for providing Scott to Ron.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Roger, in 2005. 

He is survived by his wife, Susan, of 48 years; sons, Ryan, and his wife, Heather, Jay, and his wife, Marie; his grandchildren, whom he loved so much, Ava, Ali, Anika, Corbin, and Blake; Ron’s mother, Bettie; sister, Peggy; brother, Randy, and his wife, Deb; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bruce and Jan Haak; nieces and nephews.

Friends are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Ron's life on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Kalamazoo Christian School Association, 2121 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, or a charity of your choice.

 To view Ron’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com.