Ronald (Ron) was born in Stevensville, Michigan on November 17, 1948 to Lucille and Oscar Schinske. He was raised on the family farm in Eau Claire, Michigan. Around 4 years old, Ron contracted polio and was hospitalized for several months in an iron lung. Ron recovered, but suffered from symptoms of post-polio syndrome throughout his life.
On January 20, 1969 Ron enlisted in the army and was sent to the Vietnam War. After his service in the war, Ron studied agricultural sciences at Michigan State University. However, it was at Eastern Michigan University, where Ron met his wife, Judy, at a couples square and ballroom dance class. Judy steered her partner over to where Ron was, and despite the expectation to change partners every 15 minutes, they never switched partners again. Ron and Judy were married on May 15, 1976 in Ann Arbor, Michigan at Zion Lutheran Church.
Once married, Ron and Judy moved to Hartford, Michigan where they owned and operated a pig farm. Ron and Judy were tender-hearted farmers and gave endearing names, such as Grasshopper, Daisy, and Petunia, to many of their 'pet' pigs. It was here that the first 2 of their 4 daughters were born; Amanda in 1978 and Katrina in 1979. After saying goodbye to the farm, Ron again sought to serve his country by enlisting in the National Guard. He moved his family to an old white farmhouse in Hartford with a barn that read 'Chew Mailpouch Tabacco'. It was here that their daughters, Emily and Veronica were born, in 1987 and 1990, respectively.
After working as a corrections officer at Indiana State Prison, Ron established a home together with Judy in Ann Arbor, Michigan, close to their daughters and grandchildren. Until his health would no longer allow, Ron enjoyed taking long walks around the Nichols Arboretum and having lunch at The Fleetwood Diner. Once his health declined, he spent most of his time at home, sharing memories with his wife and daughters, and being entertained by his adorable grandchildren. It was here, in the presence of his loving wife, that Ron went to be with his heavenly father.
Ron is survived by his wife, Judy Lyn Schinske (Niethammer); 4 daughters, Amanda Marie Schinske (Michael Bernhardt), Katrina Ann Sebolt (Matthew Sebolt), Emily Katherine Schinske (Collin Taylor), and Veronica Leigh Schinske (Rick Miller); 9 grandchildren, Noah, Isaac, Adam, Eleanor, Roxanne, Lincoln, Valerie ‘Ruthie’, Hazel, and Amina; 3 cats, Willie, Eddie, and Cena; and his parrot, Abner (aka, Bird). Survivors also include his brother, Donald Schinske, and 2 sisters, Victoria Fecho and Robin Schinske. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, many beloved relatives, and his many special cats, including Henry.
Cremation has taken place. Ron will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors. A memorial will take place at 2:00pm on June 28, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor. Family will receive friends and family at 1:00pm in the Stellhorn Lounge.
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