Ronald L. Homrich

Ronald L. Homrich, 86, of Burr Oak, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Ron was born on May 30, 1937, on the family farm on 100th St. in Byron Center, Michigan to Herman and Dorothy (Endrus) Homrich. At an early age, the family moved to John Street in Kalamazoo, where Ron enjoyed his childhood as part of the Washington Square Boys. He received his early education at St. Joseph and at St. Augustine Schools in Kalamazoo. Starting at a young age, Ron sold the Gazette Newspaper downtown. Ronald was always working somewhere. He was able to purchase his first new car at 16 years old. He worked at a papermill until they found out he was too young to be working, so he then went to drive semi-trucks for his dad and uncles. Soon after, he went on to attend Detroit Mechanical School and was the first person from the Kalamazoo area to be certified in the repairing of automatic transmissions.

In 1956 he decided to proudly serve in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he was stationed in Whittier, Alaska for two years during his deployment. Upon returning home, he married Mary Jo Walser, who preceded him in death. Together they had 3 children, Rhonda, Daniel, Stephanie. In 1962, Ronald and Mary Jo purchased property on King's Highway and Mill St. in Kalamazoo and opened Homrich's Garage Inc. The business is still operated by his children more than 60 years later.

Ronald met Charlene (Goldsmith) Stewart in the 1980s and they later married in 1988 in Florida. He gained 4 stepdaughters; Denise, Karina, Lori, Shannon.

Ronald is survived his wife, Charlene, his children; Rhonda Homrich, Daniel (Lisa) Homrich, Sr. and Stephanie Barrett; his stepdaughters, Denise (Richard) Kocher, Karina Winkler, Lori Darr, Shannon (Brian) Penny; and his 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of which loved him dearly.

A celebration of Ron's life will take place at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Lighthouse at Athens, 310 S. Capital Ave., Athens, MI, 49011, with Pastor Mark Behr of North Athens Baptist Church officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI, 49012. Visitation will take place from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, February 19, 2024, also at Lighthouse of Athens.

Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories with the family.