He was preceded in death by his parents (Arthur and Mabel Heinze), his three brothers (James, Lawrence, and Bernard), and granddaughters Beth Ann and Melinda Jo.
He will be remembered by his loving and inseparable wife of 37 years, Janet Heinze; children Jo John, Craig (Rhonda) Urbanavage, Ronald (Toni) Urbanavage, Jeffrey (Ingrid) Heinze, Jeffrey (Betz) Urbanavage, Kim (Mark) Attard, Richard (Debby) Urbanavage, Sherry (John) Foti; 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Fondly, he was known as "Papa" to all the family. Ron worked for 38 years at Ford Motor Company and when he retired he lived on Crooked Lake in Lake City, MI for a number of years, enjoying family times and fishing. He especially looked forward each year to the family Christmas party and spent many hours decorating and planning for the event at his home. During the summer months, Ron took great pride in caring for his rose bushes in the garden and bird feeders in the winter months. Ron and Janet both kept busy with their hobby "J&R Lites", making decorative bottles with colored lights to display at craft shows and give as gifts. Last year, Ron and Janet moved to Holland, MI and often attended school and sporting events to watch the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron served in the 22nd Infantry of the US Army as a Sergeant in Germany and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
To celebrate Ron's life, a Vigil will be held February 11 at 7pm at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Lake City, MI with visitation one hour prior. A funeral Mass will follow on February 12 at 11am at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars or Holy Cross Catholic Church of Beaver Island.
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