Ronald Philip Kachmar

Ronald Philip Kachmar, age 73, passed away on November 8th, 2020- a warm, blue-skied, football Sunday. Ron was born in Johnstown, PA on June 9th, 1947, to the late Michael and Lillian (Crooks) Kachmar, and became the younger brother to his loving sister, Marilyn Neubauer. He shared many fond memories of his childhood, especially ones with his dear cousins Butch Hutchinson and the late Philip Gabrielson.

As a young adult, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force which eventually brought him to Southeast Michigan, during his enlistment he served his Country proud in the Vietnam War. After retiring from the USAF, he worked for TACOM for 27 years, then finished his career as a contractor overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan until 2011. He was truly a man of honor and loved telling various stories of his travels and experiences.

Ron was THE family man. He married his wife of 33 years, TerriAnne (Bogdziewicz), and from there, gained five amazing brother-in-laws (and their spouses) who loved him like one of their own. He always instilled the value of family, and made it a point to be present and involved in his family reunions every summer. He also made sure that his pets were treated like royalty, and will be sorely missed by “Gertie” and his grand-dog “Millie”. The most important part of his family, which everyone who knew him would agree, was his daughter Patricia “Trish”. She was the light of his life, and there was nothing he was more proud of than her. His loss leaves an immense amount of heartache for her.

Most remember Ron as an all-around sports guy. Weekends consisted of college and pro football. Saturdays cheering for Michigan State and Penn State, and Sundays- the Lions and the Steelers. Every season outside of Winter you could find Ron out on the golf course. His love for golf carried him into his “post retirement” career as a ranger at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, MI. where he was known as “Ranger-Ron”.

The last two years of Ron’s life became a struggle. His diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis led him to receive the ultimate gift of life in the form of a bilateral lung transplant. Even though his road to recovery was filled with setbacks, you would never have known by speaking with him. He remained a pillar of strength and persisted through it all for his family. He was so thankful for his health care team who helped keep the fight alive in him.

Ron will be missed by so many, including his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from all aspects of his life. His family asks that you honor him with a cheeseburger, ice cold bud light, and a chocolate malt for dessert.

Ron will be inurned at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. However due to COVID and the safety of his family and friends at this time, his family will be forgoing a viewing and funeral. Please be sure that there will be a “Ron-approved” celebration of life to come in the near future.