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1927 - 2007
Age: 80
SCHOONMAKER, Ronald W.
Kalamazoo
Passed away Tuesday evening, June 5, 2007 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Ron was born May 29, 1927 in Lakefield Township, Saginaw County the son of the late JB and Hazel (Molton) Schoonmaker. As a youngster Ron helped work the family farm and shared family life with his parents and 10 siblings. On December 5, 1951 Ron married Nancy Dean Smith, currently living in Kalamazoo, MI Together they raised a family of four children; Beth (Richard) Palasinski of Paw Paw, Julie Chucta of Kalamazoo, Ron (Nancy) Schoonmaker of Twin Lake, MI and Nan (Mike Apgar) Schoonmaker of Grand Rapids. Ron enjoyed time spent with his family, including six grandchildren and one great grandson. During World War II Ron was in the U.S. Army for 18 months, nine of them overseas. Ron enlisted in the Michigan State police on October 9, 1950, serving first at Flat Rock, MI. During his career with the State Police he served in Flat Rock, Grand Haven, East Lansing, Brighton, Ypsilanti and Paw Paw. After retirement in 1976, Ron enjoyed doing the things he loved to do: working is his woodshop, reading, organic gardening, cutting firewood, maintaining the home and property. The family will gather to celebrate his life in a private ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.
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There are currently 3 condolences.
Westley Haney
Saturday June 9, 2007 at
10:04 AM
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Dear Nancy and Family. Please except my condolence for your tremendous loss. Ron was one of the finest individuals and police officers I have ever known. I first met Ron when I was assigned to Fifth District Hdqrs in the late 1960s. I lived in Paw Paw but worked in the Benton Harbor Schools. I was introduced to Ron by Ken Taylor and had several opportunities to work with Ron. Some of my fondest memories of police work and the Michigan State Police were created during that time period. Years later after Ron retired and moved into the Lakeview Post area I would stop and visit. We would reminisce a while and examine the fine woodworking displayed in the home he had built. He was truly a wonderful and unique person.
Westley Haney, Retired MSP Grand Rapids Michigan
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Thursday June 7, 2007 at
8:03 PM
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Dear Nancy and family. It was my pleasure to have met and worked with Ron when I was a young Detective at the Berrien Co. Sheriff's Dept in the early 1970's. Ron was the 5th Dist D/Lieut during this time. I'll never forget how respectful, poised and measured Ron was while teaching me the finer art of a professional investigation when we had occasion to team up on complaints. Reflection of his quiet but wonderful humor, unique supervisory challenges of post detectives (most my friends) to facilitate bringing out their best work and love for that Oliver tractor bring back many fond memories. Thank you for sharing Ron with me. I know I am a better person for it.
Jim Leonard, Ft. Wayne, IN
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William R. Schmidt
Thursday June 7, 2007 at
12:17 AM
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Dear Nancy and family. I had the very good fortune of being a young cub Trooper in Flat Rock and Ron was my Senior Officer in 1957. I had great admiration for Ron and his dedication to the State Police. I recall that it seems that you all transfered not too long after my assignment. My wife Jean and I both grew up in Paw Paw and that is where we call home. We now reside in Texas and get back home several times a year. I often though of Ron and never quite knew where he ended up.
I am sorry for your loss and will keep him in my prayers.
Bill Schmidt, Retired MSP l982
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