Ron Ohnhaus

Ron was born February 17th, 1952, in Omaha, Nebraska to Joyce Elaine Petroff and Ray Martin Musselman. He loved spending time with his grandparents Ralph and Georgina Kephart who deeply loved each other and God. Ralph taught Ron how to use tools and repair things; often saying if I can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed. Ron was focused and determined to be an expert at whatever he did; from his first radio receiver made in 5th grade out of a toilet paper roll, copper wire and a crystal to contacting ham radio operators all over the world with his 65-foot ham antenna.

At 17, Ron married Carla Lucero and joined the United States Navy. He volunteered for submarine duty and was accepted into the naval nuclear power program. As a nuclear qualified submariner, he served on the USS Halibut and received a commendation for engineering an underway fix that prevented a mission from being scrapped. He had a talent for working inside the chain of command, getting them to see he was right or prove him wrong. He was annoyingly almost always right. The young couple were blessed with two children: Laura and Ron Jr. His Naval career took them to many states eventually leading them to Bremerton Washington. In 1977, he left the Navy and began work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Ron’s battle with alcoholism led to the breakup of his family and was the touchstone for his decision to get sober. Through the 12 steps and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Ron was able to rebuild his life and recover from alcoholism. Ron studied the Big Book, and the Bible as he believed that the key to happiness was to enlarge your spiritual program. He was committed to helping others out of alcoholism and addiction.

In 1980 Ron and his wife Carol, and a few close friends, started Kitsap Peninsula Auto Accessories which later became The Autoglass Clinic and Mobile Radio. In 2000 he became an insurance broker and had a Farmers Insurance business for over 20 years.

On November 4th, 1992, Ron married Kayren Robins in Seabeck, Washington. They enjoyed attending the East Bremerton Church of the Nazarene for over twenty years and Belfair Assembly of God for six years. Twelve years ago, God called Ron to the Catholic Church, where he has continued to deepen his relationship with Christ.

Ron became a trusted advisor to other business owners, who knew they could rely on his advice and help. His dedication to helping people was seen when he decided in his early 60’s to get his Bachelor of Science in Sociology and become a counselor helping families of those in active addiction and early recovery. Sharing the hope of recovery and seeing these families grow and be restored was a great joy and privilege for him.

He became an avid cyclist twelve years ago and enjoyed riding with West Sound Cycling Club. He started his riding on a $25 yard sale bike. He rode many organized rides here, in Denver and even the Tour De Nebraska. He pushed himself to finish some notable biking events such as STP, Ride the Rockies, Ramrod, and the Double Triple Bypass. Ron and Kayren had many happy times biking and traveling in their RV visiting friends and family, going on camping and floating trips. They were always accompanied by their beloved rescue dogs, Nini and Max, and were looking forward to a cross-country RV experience this winter.

In his latest adventure, Ron immersed himself in a 34 day, 490-mile-long walking pilgrimage: the Camino de Santiago. He journaled daily about his experience and felt God spoke clearly to him during this trip. Ron was always striving to be a better person and worked hard to find and let God remove his defects of character. Ron loved his daily prayer time and grew immensely due to this practice. His honesty and transparency with himself and others paved the way for deep friendships with men as iron sharpened iron. He was able to love his friends and family because he knew how deeply God loves him. Ron’s impact is felt in the lives of many as he connected so intentionally with the people he encountered.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Elaine Petroff; his biological father, Ray Martin Musselman, his father, Buford (Buff) Ohnhaus, his brother, Tom Ohnhaus, and nephew Darren Overton.

Ron is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kayren Ohnhaus; his father, Samuel Petroff; his sisters, Cheri Overton, Mary Joe (Steve) Gall, his brothers, Randy (Susan) Musselman, George (Anna) Musselman, Marty (Lori Ellen) Musselman; children, Laura (Hercules) Hubbell and Ronald Jr. (Adrienne) Ohnhaus; grandchildren Hercules Jr. (Kaitlin), Forrest (Ryan), River, and Chloe; and great-grandchildren Kash, Kaine and Harbor Gray; and by many other loving family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Bremerton, Washington. 9:30 Rosary, 10:00 Mass, 11:00 military service, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that tax deductible donation be made to Major Taylor Association, Inc., PO Box 20131, Worcester, MA 01602 which provides bicycles for underprivileged youth.