Ronald W. Erkmann

Ronald Erkmann (Ronnie) was born on 04/14/1958 in Detroit Michigan to Anneliese and Wilhelm Erkmann. His parents had emigrated from Germany and Ronnie was an only child. Ronnie was born with cerebral palsy and had some cognitive limitations, but he never let that slow him down. He was known for his Beaming Smile, Love of Music, Teddy Bears and a tendency to be a bit of a Flirt. Everyone who met Ronnie went away feeling better, because he refused to let life get him down. His parents passed when Ronnie was in his 40’s leaving him with no living relatives in the United States. Prior to their passing Ronnie had enjoyed family vacations to Florida, Disney Word, Epcot Center, Sea Word and of course multiple trips to Bronner’s in Frankenmuth. Ronnie worked at Services to Enhance Potential (STEP) on Van Dyke near 6 ½ mile. STEP provided Educational services; a Sheltered Workshop and encouraged community based Supported Employment. Ronnie will be remembered there more for his shenanigans than productivity. Rather than focus on his small parts assembly job, he was constantly rolling around the workshop in his wheelchair visiting peers, engaging with supervisors and socializing with anyone willing to talk, name a tune and not tell him to go back to his work station. Ronnie’s mother passed in 2002 while he was working at STEP. She was a loving caretaker who at 83 years old was still picking Ronnie up from his wheelchair and transferring him to the bathtub. Prior to her passing Anneliese insisted that his Social Worker serve as his Guardian. Conrad Aumann served in that position since 2002 and enlisted David Joseph to assist as Standby Guardian. Conrad’s family cherished all the family functions and Christmas celebrations Ronnie came to. He also enjoyed bi-weekly Mall trips where he would convince Conrad to let him pick out audio cassettes and then stop for Ice Cream. Ronnie enjoyed when Dave Joseph and his daughters would take him to the Zoo and band concerts. On their trips to the Zoo Ronnie would somehow always arrive back home with yet another Stuffed Animal. Ronnie’s life was truly enriched by the Loving Staff at the Woodcrest Group Home where he lived for 20 years. They provided 24/7 care and also transported him to Social Events such as Dances and Holiday parties at the ARC of Detroit. We have all been blessed to have Ronnie in our lives. His love of music and ability to name every song and musical artist from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s was something to behold, but it was his smile and laugh that left a lasting imprint. Ronnie cherished those around him, brought a smile to their lives and will be remembered for his resilience and love.