Ronald Joseph Parat, age 76, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2019. Loving father of Joseph (Kathy) Parat and Debbie Parat; cherished adopted grandpa "Butch" of Gabriel Ghan; beloved brother of Dorothy (Ray) Setmayer and Rich Parat; loving former husband of Irene Parat; cherished uncle, cousin, and friend of many. Preceded in death by his parents, the late Joseph R. Parat and Catherine M. Parat. Ronald was an active member of the Local Union 599 for carpenters. He will be remembered for his love for mushroom picking, camping, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. Ron was a bandleader for the Polka Aces polka band and drummer during the late 1960s through the 1980s for Wally Pulak's polka band and various other Polish polka bands in the Chicagoland area, gaining his inspiration from Lil' Wally and his parents. His love for polka music was felt by everyone he met and it was always a central focus of the family. Ron's love for the music inspired one of his favorite sayings, "Polka people are happy people!" He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Calumet Region for their wonderful care. Memorial service information to be determined. For more information, please call (773) 586-7900.
YOUR LAUGHTER (A family poem written by a loved one)
Here in my heart is an empty place
That cries for your voice and
The smile on your face,
That gentle smile and the chuckle of glee.
Such happy moments you gave to me.
Your chair is empty, my eyes say so,
But my memory refuses to let you go.
Your graceful hands, so gentle and kind,
Things of beauty are fresh in my mind.
Yet life goes on - you would have it so
And memories linger. I'll never let go
Of the you I loved. And the Great Hereafter
Is richer, I know because of your laughter.
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