Ronald Emmert

Emmert, Ronald Lee, age 80, of Jenison, MI, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Ron was born on April 8, 1943 in Bauer, MI. Ron will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 55 years, Alice (DeRuiter), his children, Todd & Sari Emmert (Elise & Cody Thompson, Joseph, Claire, & Hannah), Jeffrey Emmert (Brittney, Tyler), Lara Roelofs (Hunter, Kayleigh), Jason & Betsy Emmert (Allyson, Jackson, Juella), great granddaughters Lillianna Dykstra-Roelofs and Adelaide Thompson, his sister Rosalie Farraher, sisters and brothers-in-law, Ella Emmert, Donna DeRuiter, Steve & Marcia Besteman, Robert & Sue DeRuiter, Ronald & Carol DeRuiter, Marilyn Walters and many nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by two grandsons, Austin Emmert and Tristen Roelofs, his parents, Louis and Lucille Emmert, his siblings, Edward, Irwin, & Marilyn Emmert, and Sharon Styf, his parents-in-law, Frank & Katherine DeRuiter, and brothers and sisters-in-law Larry Farraher, Rachel Emmert, Bob Styf, and Dirk Walters. Ron was a kind, loving, compassionate, and hard-working husband, father, and grandfather, always putting others ahead of himself. He was a man of great faith and his life and actions reflected his love for his Savior. More than anything he wanted to reach those who did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and prayed to this end every day. He enjoyed spending time with his family at home, the hunting cabin, and the family cottage. Earlier in life he enjoyed playing softball and bowling. An avid runner, he completed many Riverbank Runs and one Chicago Marathon. He served his church homes as both a Deacon and an Elder. He loved watching his grandchildren on the stage or on the playing field. In retirement he enjoyed volunteering with Young Life, YWAM, taking long walks around the neighborhood, and traveling. He took pride in a clean truck, spotless garage, and perfectly manicured lawn. He considered any job worth doing was worth doing well, and he passed that trait on to his children. Ron was a patriotic American and served his country and his community for many years. Ron was proud to serve as a Wyoming Police Officer from 1969-2006. He was honored as Police Officer of the Year in 1984. He was well respected by his fellow officers. He was a member of the Michigan National Guard for 26 years, rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest level for a non-commissioned officer. In his retirement, he greatly enjoyed working part-time at In On Time in Zeeland, MI. The family wishes to thank the staff at Zeeland Hospital and Faith Hospice for their loving care for Ron during his last days as well as the caring physicians, friends, and extended family who walked alongside them. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Wounded Warrior Project or Reach the Forgotten in Ron’s honor. Visitation will be at Fellowship Reformed Church (6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville) on Tuesday, October 10 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday at the church at 7:00 pm. Refreshments and a time of fellowship will be held after the service. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Emmert, please visit our flower store.