Ronald L. Wooters, 90, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025 at Munson Hospice House, surrounded with the love of his wife, children and grandchildren.
He was born on January 9, 1935 in the family home that he lived in for his entire life, on the corner of 15th and Maple streets; the home with the beautiful green lawn and roses that he loved to grow and care for. His parents were Harold and Wilhelmina Wooters of Traverse City.
After high school Ron was drafted into the Army and stationed in Texas. He so missed the love of his life, Joyce (Fuksa), that he drove home in December 1957 to pick her up and marry her on December 28th, returning to Texas to complete his service time. After he was out of the service he worked briefly as a TC Fire Fighter. He then began his 30-year career at Cone Drive Gear. He also drove school bus for TCAPS for 30 years during the day while working afternoons at Cone. He was a committed worker and provided well for his family. Ron's life consisted of hard work but also hard play. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, collecting cars, woodworking, snowmobiling and most of all dancing the Polka to great band music with Joyce. The two could really "cut a rug" on the dance floor. His home was always full of polka music.
In the early 1970's they purchased a cabin on five acres South of Traverse City and took dune buggies and motor bikes out there with the kids to race through the long grasses and try not to eat too many grasshoppers in the process! Many a fine party and weekend were spent at "the cabin". The family also enjoyed going snowmobiling for years with friends on the weekends.
In their retirement years, Ron and Joyce bought a home in Lakeland, FL and spent 10 winters down in the sunshine state.
Ron is survived by his wife Joyce and their three children Cheryl (Dennis) Waisanen, Bruce Wooters and Patrick (Beckie) Wooters. He was the proud grandfather of three grandchildren: Sara (Colin) Smith, Michael (Allie) Waisanen and Hunter Wooters (Fiance Emily Farkas); seven great grandchildren Madison, Mathew, Macie and Maxwell Smith and Levi, Brooks and Ezra Waisanen.
Ron enjoyed his family and loved to go to the soccer games, birthday parties, band concerts, football games, baseball games and rugby matches for his children and grandchildren over the years.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Richard and Arnold "Pete" Wooters and many of his lifelong friends.
Ron was a fun and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed by his entire family. We take comfort in knowing that Ron lived a good life and now is at peace and is no longer in pain.
The family invites relatives and friends to a memorial gathering on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 10 am to 12 noon at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A light lunch will follow at the Eagles club of Traverse City on 14th Street from 12:15 until 2:30 pm. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to Cherryland Humane Society.
Burial will be a private ceremony at a later date. Ron's final resting place is marked by a "school bus headstone" at Memorial Gardens in TC.
The family would like to thank Munson ICU, D-5 Unit and the Munson Hospice House for their supportive and gentle care over the past eight weeks.
Rest in peace Ron and we hope there are polkas playing in Heaven when you arrive!