Ronald Louis Karcher

Ronald Louis Karcher, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, generous community activist and business owner, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, at the age of 88. Born December 3, 1936, in New Orleans, Ronnie leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, service, and dedication to his beloved city and its institutions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis F. Karcher and Alma Bourgeois Karcher, and his brother, Gerald D. Karcher. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sandra Boulion Karcher, his two children, Brian Karcher (Liz) and Stephanie Karcher Newell (Will), as well as four cherished grandchildren: Ellie Karcher, David Karcher, William Newell (Nicolette), and Andrew Newell.

A proud graduate of Jesuit High School and Loyola University of New Orleans, where he was a member of ΒΕΓΓΑΡΣ (Beggars) fraternity, Ronnie lived a life deeply rooted in the Jesuit values that shaped his formation. These principles guided not only his personal relationships, but also his professional and civic endeavors. He was honored to serve in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard from 1951 through 1962. He went on to found and operate Ronald L. Karcher Construction Company, which he led for over 50 years.

Ronnie’s civic and philanthropic engagement was a testament to a life of service. He was a longtime and passionate supporter of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the Zurich Classic PGA Golf Tournament in New Orleans. He held numerous committee and leadership roles with the Foundation, culminating in his greatest honor and joy in serving as the General Chairman of the 2008 Zurich Classic.

A longtime member of Metairie Country Club, Ronnie served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary. He also served on the Friends of City Park Golf Tournament Committee and supported public broadcasting through WLAE-TV and WYES-TV. He held multiple roles for these fundraising efforts, including chairing the popular Live "On Air” WLAE auction for several years. Ronnie was an active member of numerous local organizations, including the Willwoods Foundation and the alumni associations of both Jesuit and Loyola.

Ronnie's Catholic faith was central to his life. He was deeply involved in the Catholic Charities Association, serving as a board member and holding leadership positions including President. He was honored with membership in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the St. Elizabeth's Guild 2003 Volunteer Activists Award.

Ronnie will be remembered not only for his unwavering devotion to his family, Catholic faith and city, but also for the joy he found in sharing favorite stories, cheering for his beloved New Orleans Saints, his quick and easy laugh and most of all, being surrounded by friends and family with wife and best friend Sandra at his side.

Sandra and the family wish to thank the many skilled and devoted professionals who have cared for Ronnie throughout the years, including Dr. Sid Bhansali, Dr. Clement Eiswirth, Dr. Sammy Khatib, Dr. Sarah Lee, Dr. Robert Miles and caregiver Shawanda Howard.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, April 14, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, LA. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Private interment will follow.

The family suggests donations in Ronnie’s memory to Jesuit High School New Orleans, 4133 Banks St. New Orleans, LA 70119; the Fore!Kids Foundation,11005 Lapalco Blvd., Avondale, LA 70094; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

A.M.D.G.