Ronald Geer

TRAVERSE CITY — Ronald G. "Ron" Geer, 80, of Traverse City, died Saturday afternoon, April 28, 2012, at Munson Medical Center, following a brief illness. Born Nov. 6, 1931, in Ionia, he was the son of the late George Washington Geer and Ruth Emma (Rogers) Geer Eikey. On May 2, 1953, in Webster, Mass., he married the love of his life, Marguerite Patenaude, whom he met on a blind date. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 2008.He found love again with Marian Hobson, who was his constant companion and significant other.Ron attended and graduated from St. Francis High School with the class of 1949.He faithfully services his country as an Airman with the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1949 to 1953.After returning to his native community of Traverse City from Lansing, Ron was employed by the City of Traverse City from 1953 to 1990 as a master mechanic with the Department of Public Works.He was a longtime active member of St. Francis Catholic Church, where he regularly served as an usher at the Saturday afternoon Mass. Ron enjoyed many interests such as reading, camping, dancing, fishing, traveling, playing cards and caring for various animals. As a member of the Traverse City Senior Center and Traverse City Elks Lodge, he enjoyed participating in various activities along with his friend, Marian. By nature, Ron appeared to be a very soft spoken, silent person, but in reality he possessed a strong ability to voice his opinion when necessary. He also enjoyed many heated debates while interacting with his grandson, Joey. He is survived by his loving family; children, Steven A. (Judith A.) Geer, Kenneth E. (Carrie) Geer, Susan M. Kinney and Richard R. (Tracey) Geer, all of Traverse City; eight grandchildren, Meghan (Nathan) VonderEmbse, of Omaha, Neb., Lyndsey (Andy) Graham, of Lowell, Aaron Geer, of Grand Rapids, Kaylena Kinney, of Traverse City, Joey Kinney, of Traverse City, Michelle Geer, of Traverse City, Jamie Geer, of Traverse City, and Casey Geer, of Traverse City; three step grandchildren, Sarah, Erin and Celia Anderson, all of Traverse City; three great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Gonzales, of Diamond Bar, Calif.; and a brother-in-law, Edward (Jeanne) Patenaude, of Webster, Mass.In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Larry Kinney; a sister, Patricia Fell; and a brother, Terry Geer.Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a Scripture service being held at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered at St. Francis Catholic Church on Monday, May 7, 2012, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Kenneth Stachnik will serve as the celebrant. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the V.F.W. Cherryland Post #2780. Following cremation, inurnment will take place at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.In remembrance of Ron, memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Pavilions or to St. Francis Catholic Church Music Program.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Ronald Geer

November 6, 1931 - April 28, 2012