Ronald Lee Kommer

Born on April 17, 1935, Ron's life was marked by both profound loss and remarkable love. Widowed as a young man following the death of his first wife, Margaret "Peggy" Sutter, due to cancer, he faced the challenge of raising three small children Donald, John, and Kathy, on his own. In 1969, he married Mary DeYoung Anderson, also widowed with two children Steven and John Thomas. They joined their families in what could only be described as a real-life Brady Bunch. Ron and Mary welcomed two children of their own, Lisa and Sarah, completing the family they built together.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Christian and Edith Kommer; wives Peggy and Mary; sons Donald Kommer and John Thomas Anderson; and brothers David Kommer and Thomas Kommer.

He is survived by and lives on in the legacy of his children, spouses, and family. Missing him deeply are Linda Kommer, John Kommer, Steve (Michelle) Anderson, Kathy (Paul) Hiestand, Lisa Sladek, and Sarah (John) Smith; along with beloved grandchildren Stacy (Rob) Lott, Christopher (Morgan) Kommer, Stephanie (Rick) Plummer, Amanda (Corey) Brouwer, Kyle Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Leann (Tony) Grace, Eric (Rochelle) Anderson, Zachary Anderson, Colin Sladek, and Alyssa Sladek; plus 13 great-grandchildren, who better knew him as Papa Haircut or Pop Pop Train. His brother, Alan Kommer, plus many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends mourn his passing.

Professionally, Ron dedicated more than three decades to Lescoa, where he served as chief engineer and director. Earlier in his career, he also shared his expertise by teaching aspiring engineers at Grand Rapids Junior College, helping shape the next generation of professionals.

Away from work, Ron found his greatest happiness on the water. He loved fishing, smoking a King Edward cigar, and gathering family and friends aboard his boat in Grand Haven. Many summers were spent enjoying the beauty of Lake Michigan and cruising to Pentwater, where he proudly served as host, captain, storyteller, and self-appointed expert on all things nautical. His wife, Mary, faithfully joined him on their countless boating adventures, though those who knew them well might gently suggest that Ron's enthusiasm for the water exceeded hers by a noticeable margin.

Known by many as Captain Ron, he navigated Lake Michigan with confidence and skill. Yet his colleagues never let him forget the memorable occasion when, while cruising on a rental yacht in the Florida Keys during a “work trip," Ron managed to run aground on a sandbar. The incident served as proof that even captains have their moments. Ron may have offered a few engineering explanations for what happened.

In his retirement, Ron and Mary built a beautiful cottage on Sunrise Lake where most of the interior work was meticulously completed by their own hands. One infamous weekend, carloads of family showed up with sleeping bags and tents, uninvited. Ron and Mary may have acted stunned, but the family knew they secretly loved the Kommer chaos on the lake.

In honor of Mary, Ronald became an ardent supporter of the Walk to End Alzheimer's. For many years, he was the event's leading fundraiser, handwriting letters to friends, family, and old coworkers to support a cause that meant so much to him. “Marching for Mary," the Kommer family and friends’ team, was a cherished tradition.

Ron will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, brother, engineer, boater, fisherman, wood-shop fiddler, and friend. Ron was quick to share the family tea and the related exaggerated stories. He loved spending time outdoors at his kids’ cottages and campsites with all the people who mattered most. He was known for being a bit of a curmudgeon, a title he wore comfortably, but those who knew him best understood that beneath the gruff exterior was a generous heart and a dry sense of humor. In his own words, “whatever.”

His large family takes comfort in imagining him once again at the helm, cigar in hand, lines in the water, big fish on the downriggers, surrounded by loved ones, and keeping a safe distance from sandbars.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family will hold a private memorial. They invite friends and family to join them for a celebration of Ron's life from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society. Family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.