LaRonald "Ron" Risinger

LaRonald Clinton Risinger-Ron or Ronnie as friends and family knew him-passed away Thursday, June 4, 2015. He joined the love of his life, his wife of 39 years, Barbara Louise (Rothhaar) Risinger shortly after midnight. They made their home in Mansfield raising six daughters and two sons. Barb and Ron were a true couple, doing everything together, and especially enjoyed dancing. He lovingly cared for her during her last eight years of illness.

Ron was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, on May 30, 1927, the youngest of four children of Clinton D. and Clarice (Crawford) Risinger. He joined the U.S. Navy while still in high school and served his country during World War II. Ron was a gunner on the destroyer, USS Harwood, stationed in the Pacific. He remained a true patriot his entire life. After military life, he returned to school, earning his diploma and attended Tiffin University. In 1948, he married Barbara and began working in sales.

A very friendly, outgoing man, a career in sales was a good fit for his personality. He worked for Nickle's Bakery and the Bissman Company. Ron was the manager of the Sporting Goods/Hardware department at The Giant Store, then went on to manage Five Cousins. His final place of employment was Tenney Tool. Ron attended Mayflower Congregational Church.

He loved his family and was always giving them crazy nicknames. While at Oak Grove Manor, he gave the staff nicknames such as Peachie and Tweeter. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, served as Past-Master and was a 33rd degree member of the Scottish Rite. Ron also was a member of VFW Post #9943, where he was a past Post Commander and American Legion Post 16 McVey.

Ron will be deeply missed by daughters, Barbara (James) VanTilburg, Kathleen (Richard) Hazlett, Ronda (Gary) Stone, Jennifer Risinger, Lorri (Nick) Smollen; Tamara (Matthew) Clapper; sons, Ronald "Yogi" Risinger (fiancee', Norma Henson) and Timothy (Tammy) Risinger. He also leaves behind twenty-nine grandchildren; and sixty-two great-grandchildren with another one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Smith and Carol Rothhaar; and special friend, Becky Peters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; grandson, Benjamin Thomas VanTilburg; infant grandson, Jason VanTilburg; grandson-in-law, Wes Low; and sisters, Fairy Hollar, Helen Stiefel and Thelma Wenner.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015, in the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A Masonic Service will be held Monday at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service conducted by Dr. Gary Wilson will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Little Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Washington Cemetery Association.