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Ronnie Trout

September 14, 1957 - January 10, 2019
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Monday, January 14, 2019
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, January 15, 2019
11:00 AM EST
The Bridge
7200 Angling Rd.
Portage, MI 49024
(269) 323-9444
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
448 N Burdick St
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Ron Trout, it is easy to see that he loved so many others with his whole heart. He was compassionate, kind, and generous beyond measure with an unwavering faith as his constant companion. Ronnie was a loving family man who was filled with unspeakable joy to witness his family grow to include the grandchildren who were the light of his life. Well known, respected, and loved within his community, he touched the lives of so many. Life will never be the same without Ron here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

It was a time of great celebration in the lives of Horace and Clarice (Clemons) Trout as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Ronnie on September 14, 1957. Raised in Gobles, he was the youngest of two when he joined his family with his brother, Ric. The two were partners in crime who were often off on an adventure together. Ron’s father worked at a papermill while his mother focused her time and attention at home.

From the time he was a young boy, Ron was a bustle of activity. He even had a pet raccoon for a time. They grew vegetables as a family, which they sold in order to buy school clothes. Ron attended local schools where he played the tuba. With his outgoing personality he made friends easily. A talented athlete, Ronnie made all-state in wrestling.

After graduating from Gobles High School in 1975, Ron was eager for all that life had in store. He took some classes and was focused on accounting at KVCC, but he soon found this wasn’t a good fit. Ron knew he wanted to get into the restaurant business, and he started out working as a chef at Holiday West in Kalamazoo. From there Ronnie moved to Sturgis and started working at McDonald’s where he was trained as a manager.

New and exciting changes were in store for Ron when he met the girl of his dreams. Her name was Debra Lounsberry. Although they had known each other while in school, it was when they crossed paths eight years later that the sparks flew. She loved that he was tall, but most important was the fact that he was genuine with a huge heart and knew how to treat her like a lady. A whirlwind romance followed, and after meeting again in August, 1982, they were engaged in October. On May 14, 1983, they exchanged their vows at Merson Church. Ronnie then surprised Deb with the honeymoon that he planned himself - a Caribbean cruise. Together they welcomed their daughter, Danielle, into their hearts and home in 1987. He was an amazing father who was an active part of his daughter’s life.

In 1992, Ron and Deb opened Subs-N-More in Allegan, and owning a restaurant was a dream come true for Ron. The restaurant became part of the fabric of the community, and when they closed the restaurant they received a plaque from the city for their dedicated work and devotion to the community. The restaurant was just as special to their family. Danielle remembers some of her fondest memories were made while working in the restaurant.

Ron’s favorite thing was to spend time with his family. Although he never really took vacations while growing up, Ron made up for it as an adult. When Danielle was young they went on several cruises and to Hawaii, Tennessee, and Florida. They had a timeshare in Tennessee, and they always made it a point to go as a family for Thanksgiving. When his daughter married, Ron was thrilled, and his son-in-law, Mark, became “the son he never had.” They made a memorable trip shark fishing on the Gulf of Mexico. Family was always very important to Ron. Danielle recounted that she could always have such honest conversation with her dad.

Throughout his life Ronnie was one to keep busy. Around the house he liked working in his yard, and he could often be found out in his woodshop working on wood. Ron, Deb and Danielle created many projects to sell at local craft shows. They named their company Infectious Designs, and all the profits were earmarked for a Disney fund for a memorable vacation. He liked watching cartoons and he also read Reader’s Digest and Dean Koontz books. Ron’s faith was important to him, and he read his Bible every day as well as other Christian books. He was currently a member of The Bridge in Portage. Ron liked singing four-part hymns, and years ago he was part of a quartet at church. He also liked to cook and was famous for his stir fry, wraps, sandwiches, ribs, and shakes. Ron didn’t follow recipes, but he knew how to get creative with what he had in the cupboard.

In 2015, Ron spent nearly 70 days in the hospital. First he had a knee replacement that was followed by a serious infection, and he later suffered a broken hip. By the end of the year, Ron really had a new appreciation for each day he was given. This would prove to be one of Ron’s lasting legacies. That same year they moved from their longtime home in Allegan to Kalamazoo in order to be closer to Danielle and her family as he just loved being a grandfather. Sadly, Ron was diagnosed with cancer in November of 2018.

All who knew Ron would agree that he was truly extraordinary. He took life in stride and faced whatever came his way armed with the strength that came from the faith he held near to his heart. Ron was generous and compassionate toward everyone, and he was particularly passionate toward the needy. Selfless, he consistently put the needs of others ahead of his own. Ron appreciated everything he had and recognized that he lived a very blessed life. Dearly loved, he will be forever missed.

Ron Trout, of Kalamazoo, died on Thursday, January 10, 2019. Members of his family include his wife, Deb; daughter, Danielle (Mark) Fletcher, 2 grandchildren: Adilyn and Brenden; and brother, Ric (Mary Jo) Trout of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place with family and friends on Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at The Bridge, 7200 Angling Road, Portage. Please visit Ron’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.

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