August 8, 1936 - January 7, 2019
Colonel (Retired) Ronald George Kloet, 82, of Wyoming MI, passed away January 7, 2019.
Ron was the son of the late Christian John Kloet and Lila May (Sanborn) Soukup and was born on August 8, 1936 in Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from Union High School (Junior ROTC) in 1954.
From 1955-1958, Ron served in the US Air Force. He left the Air Force and attended Michigan State University where he received his BA in Russian with a minor in History and German in 1962. He then spent 2 years with the CIA but left in 1964 to join the US Army Security Agency and was stationed in Berlin, Germany.
In 1966, Ron did his first tour of the Vietnam and was promoted to Captain in 1967. He completed Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird, Maryland in 1968. He then did his second tour of Vietnam from 1968-1969 and a third tour from 1969-1970.
Ron completed the Military Assistance Advisor Course at Fort Bragg, NC in 1971 and did a fourth tour of Vietnam from 1971-1972. He then went back to Germany from 1972-1973 with the 3rd Infantry Division. He left active duty in 1973 and joined the Individual Ready Reserve. He was promoted to Major in 1973.
Ron returned to Michigan State University in 1974-75 for his MA in History (Russian/Soviet area). In 1974, He performed annual training with the Intelligence School in Fort Huachuca, AZ. From 1975-92 he maintained mobilization designee status with the 5th US Army out of Fort Sam Houston, TX. During 1978-79, Ron attended the Command & General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS.
From 1983-96, Ron was employed as a civilian for the US Army Operational Group (USAOG) in Fort Meade, MD and later at the US Army Foreign Intelligence Activity (USAFIA). He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the late 80’s. In 1992, Ron was promoted to a full Colonel and retired with 20 years of service.
After 9-11-01, Ron was asked to help and served 6 months as a contract employee in the Counter Terrorism Operations Group, Department of Homeland Security, Arlington, VA. He was in his mid-60’s at the time.
His Military & Civilian Services awards were: The Legion of Merit; (4) Bronze Stars; the Defense Intelligence Director’s Award; Air Medal; Superior Civilian Service Award, Commander’s Aware for Civilian Service; Department of the Army Achievement Medal, and many other awards for meritorious service.
Ron was an active member of the First Calvary Division Association and attended annual meetings all over the US. He was also co-founder of the Kent County First Cav. Chapter. He was a long time member of the Michigan & Collectors Company of Military Historians and loved Civil War History the best. Exercise was also one of his passions and was an avid runner in his younger years. The MAC (before it closed) and the YMCA were his second home into his 80’s.
Ron is survived by a sister: Diane Andree of Wyoming, MI. Four Nieces and Nephews: Stephanie (Jim) Pabon of Zeeland, MI; Eric Schildroth of Grand Rapids, MI; Chris (Sara) Andree of Battle Creek, MI and Kyle (Isabelle) Andree of Owosso, MI. Three Great Nieces and Nephews: Joshua Pabon, Colin Andree & Alison Andree. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Chris Kloet; his mother, Lila Soukup and his sister Arlene Schildroth. He had a special relationship with the Gamm and Matwiejczyk families, close military friends and loved ones around the country that called him “Uncle Ron”.
Family and friends will gather Friday, January 11, 2019 at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street, Holland, MI 49424 for visitation at 10 a.m., a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. followed by a full military honor guard at 11:30. Lunch will be provided following the services. You are invited to visit the website www.lakeshorememorial.com where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd, Holland, MI 49423.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to American House of Holland and Hospice for their loving care.
