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BORN
1940
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Ronk Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Peggy; four children; two grandchildren and his sister.
Gary's love of science and knowledge inspired his family and many students.
A memorial service to celebrate Gary's life will be held at the Alma College Chapel on Saturday, March 10 at 1:00 p.m. All whose lives Gary touched are invited to attend.
The family is being served by the Dewey Funeral Home of Alma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Ronk
Ken and Nola Owen
December 24, 2023
Really enjoyed visiting with him in Fireplace Room. Such a kind , intelligent, loving family man.
Nola Owen
December 24, 2021
I remember this gentle,kind man. I watched him in church while Pastor Peggy spoke. So much love and respect in his eyes. I've always missed him and loved Peggy.
Valorie Melow
July 25, 2012
Hi Peggy,
Nola and Ken Owen posted a link to the guest book on Facebook. I was excited to find it still up and running. Gary and I hope this finds you well and enjoying your congregation. We have started our journey with our new pastor, Joey Novak. We were ready for him becuase of the great guidance and spiritual leadership you and Mary Anne gave us over the years.
I think of Gary often and how I only wish I had spent more time getting to know him. What an awesome human being he was. You were blessed to have such a wonderful partner.
God Bless!
July 24, 2012
We think of you often Peggy and had a math question the other day and both of us said-- Wish we could ask Gary! Miss ya Nola and Ken
Picture/article taken from my 85/86 Beal City Yearbook...
Kim (Weber) Sweet
January 10, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss ... I was a student of his back at Beal City and he was my coach in Basketball. Even after he moved to Shepherd High school I found time to visit and keep in touch by mail with him for a few years ... then we lost touch. :( He was an amazing teacher, coach and friend, I regret not keeping in contact through the years. He made a huge difference in my life and in so many others along the way... May he rest in peace. Peggy and family, hold the memories and lessons close to your heart, may you find peace in sharing those stories with those you encounter and love.
Carol (Conley) Senko
January 9, 2012
Dear Peggy and family, I'm so sorry to hear about Gary. I didn't know him personally, but through you and the stories you told, I could tell he was a really good guy and that you two had a very special relationship. Couples who have that kind of relationship are blessed. I pray that you and your family can find comfort and peace of mind to help you through this sad time.
Sharnna Smith
January 9, 2012
Peggy and Family,
Times like this are never easy but God imparts strength in us to bear through the sadness. I didn't know Gary personally but what I learned about him proved that he was a rare gift from God. Remember to always keep the loving memories alive.
JoAnn Ostrander
January 6, 2012
Peggy and family, I am so sorry for your lost. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Marsha Norder
January 5, 2012
Peggy & Family: I just learned of Gary's passing. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I admired the love you and Gary shared as well as with your family. You are in my prayers.
Joe Phelan
January 3, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Ronk family. Mr. Ronk was one of the most genuine and compassionate teachers I have ever had. He not only imparted information to his students in a manner according to their needs, he affirmed them each as individuals. He will continue to be remembered fondly by the Marmion Class of 2008.
Daniel Housh
January 3, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Ronk family for their loss. Mr. Ronk was such a brilliant man, and yet he was far too humble to go by "doctor." He was at Marmion purely because he enjoyed teaching and it made all the difference. I learned much, much more than chemistry from this man.
Jenny Reider (Silverthorn)
January 3, 2012
It was because of teachers like Mr. Ronk that I decided to pursue a teaching degree. While his class was challenging, it was his support, friendship, and humor that I remember most. May God bless & comfort his family.
Jason Kalis
January 2, 2012
My deepest sympathies go out to the Ronk family. As one other student noted, you shared a great man with us. All of those late nights at school and weekends away for field trips were times away from you, but they made a world of difference for us. Now, as a biology and chemistry teacher, I reflect on those experiences as I chaperone trips to Quiz Bowl, Science Olympiad and the like. Mr. Ronk was such a positive influence in my life. May all of the wonderful memories comfort you in this time of loss.
J Prout
January 2, 2012
Gary Ronk was a wonderful person to work with and his students loved him. We always could count on a grin from the "Ronkster" and his kilt was sure to bring a grin at graduation from his fellow teaching partners. He has been and will be surely missed. My deepest respect and prayers during this very difficult time for his family. Sincerely, Julie Prout
(previously Salisbury)
Karlynn Madison
December 31, 2011
Mr. Ronk was one of my favorite teachers at Shepherd. He was such a great teacher and really wanted his students to learn. He will be sadly missed.
Linda Barrand
December 31, 2011
Gary was a great teacher and inspiration to all of us in the science department at Shepherd Schools. He always had time to explain a chemistry or physics concept that I was not entirely sure of. He will be missed. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and brother.
R.J. Schafer
December 31, 2011
A good friend and a good teacher. Enjoyed our years together teaching at Beal City High School. My thoughts and prayers are with his family
Darlene Misenhelder
December 31, 2011
Mr. Ronk was one of my favorite science teachers and a wonderful role model. You will be missed by everyone who's life you touched. Your loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeremy Woodcock
December 31, 2011
Mr Ronk was my favorite science teacher. We never seen eye to in but in a fun way enjoyed our conversations through out all of high school he will be missed.
Dan Brant
December 31, 2011
Mr. Ronk usually comes to mind when I think back on the great classes I had at Shepherd High. Thank you Mr. Ronk for guiding me to a greater understanding of Science. Thank you also to his family for sharing him with us for all those years. May God bless your family.
Teresa Bierschbach
December 31, 2011
He was one of my favorite teachers. Rest in Peace Mr. Ronk.
Rachel Rifenbark
December 31, 2011
Mr.Ronk was one of my favorite teachers. I'm so sad to hear of his passing
Kellie (Bleecker) Farster
December 31, 2011
Mr Ronk was one of my favorite teachers in high school. Through science club and physics class, he had a huge influence on my decision to pursue engineering in college. He made science fun for us. I'm very sorry for your family's loss.
Nicole Hepinstall
December 31, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Ronk's passing. I always enjoyed his classes. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
ken nola Owen
December 31, 2011
Peggy and family- our hearts and prayers go out to you.We hurt with you because you both were so loving to us. Our family of God. Ken and Nola
Krystal Yost
December 31, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Ronk. I was lucky enough to be a student of his, and share in his love of science. He will be deeply missed my many. My God comfort his family, and friends in this time of sorrow.
Chad Lehner
December 30, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Ronk's passing and my prayers are with the family. Mr. Ronk was a fantastic teacher and I really enjoyed his classes. He was a big part of my inspiration to pursue a science related degree after high school.
The Staff of Dewey Funeral Home
December 30, 2011
Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.
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