Ronald Bilek

Ronald A. Bilek, 66, of Holland Township, New Jersey, and formerly of Battle Creek, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township, NJ. Born September 24, 1941 in Ashley, Pennsylvania, Ron lived there until joining the U.S. Air Force in 1959. He was stationed in Panama City, Florida and Greenland and was honorably discharged in 1963. Ron worked for Interbake Foods in Battle Creek for ten years. In 1991 he transferred to New Jersey with Interbake Foods, where he continued his career in the cookie industry until his retirement in March of this year. Ron enjoyed life and loved to golf with his wife and children. He was a dedicated and dependable father and grandfather, spending nearly every vacation in Michigan with his family. Those who knew him, loved and appreciated his friendship. Ron was known to be a tough manager, but was respected and liked by all. Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Bilek, whom he married on September 1, 2007. He is also survived by his mother, Josephine Balun of North Carolina; his stepfather, Al Balun of Swoyersville, PA; his children, Joann Bilek (Ron Sanders, Jr.) of Bellevue, Dianne (Ron) Miller of Battle Creek, Ronald (Cathy) Bilek, Jr. of Mattawan, Teresa (Troy) Osborne of Battle Creek, Marc (Lindsay) Bilek of Machesney Park, IL and Jennifer (Jason Moffett) Whaley of Holland Township, NJ; his first wife, Margaret Bilek of Battle Creek; three sisters, Romaine Kaminski of North Carolina, Paulette (Jim) Kinney of South Carolina and Michelene (Ralph) Space of North Carolina; 11 grandchildren, Samie, Jamie, Devin, Ryan, Logan, Kolton, Boston, Kaiden, Briyonna, Ryan and Jordan; and many nieces, nephews and "adopted" children. Ron was predeceased by his father, William Bilek; his grandson, Kameron Osborne; a brother, William Bilek; a nephew, Micheal Kinney; and his beloved golden retriever, Duke. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Shaw Funeral Home. Graveside services with military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2008 at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ronald A. Bilek to the NICU at the Bronson Health Foundation, 601 John St., Box C, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home.www.shawfuneral home.com