Ronald Hanes

Ronald Lynn Hanes, age 80 of Baldwin, Michigan, passed away Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Meceola Currie Comfort Home in Reed City, Michigan with his loving wife by his side. The son of Esther Lillian (Flagg) & Ardy Hanes Jr, he was born on November 16, 1944 in Ensley Center, Michigan. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Ron served honorably with the United States Air Force, attained the rank of Staff Sargeant, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Combat Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. On September 19, 1997 he married Deborah Lee Wodenka and together they enjoyed 27 years of marriage. Ron spent much of his career as a Gas Sales Consultant with CoEnergy Trading (a division of MichCon), DTE Energy Gas Sales and Consulting, and Charlevoix Energy. He retired in 1999. In his early life Ron lived in Denver, Colorado for 25 years where he was a Certified Clock Doctor working for Rocky Mountain Clocks. He had various other jobs as Ron was never one to pass up a good adventure! He enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes and flyfishing, especially the adventures he and Deb took to Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Cooks Run in Iron County of the Upper Peninsula. Although he was thrilled to fish the Harriman Ranch on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, he was never happier than fishing the Pere Marquette River right in his backyard! He also enjoyed playing golf, making a hole in one at The Highlands Golf Course in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pheasant hunts to Iowa with Deb was an annual event for many years. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathleen Mann; brother-in-law, Hurkus Mann; brother- in-law, dear friend and mentor, Bob Westing; many aunts and uncles, and cousins. Surviving are his wife, Deb Hanes of Baldwin, Michigan; his daughter, Ronda Hanes of Denver, Colorado; twin sons, Brian “Scott” & April Hanes of Norwood, Minnesota, and Brent “Skip” Hanes of Denver, Colorado; his grandchildren Chris Hanes & Zack Wisniewski of Washington, D.C., Taylor Gorecki and Amanda Gorecki, both of Denver, Colorado. He is further survived by his wife’s children and grandchildren, Angela & Thomas Stinson, Hannah, Sarah, and Tommy Stinson, all of Rockford, Michigan, Andrew Morrison, Ella and Colin Morrison, all of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ginny & Brian Ruch, Brianna, Alayna, and Joe Ruch, all of Zeeland, Michigan; Deb’s siblings, Jackie & Phil Neveau, Randy & Debbie Wodenka, Lenore & Fred Neveau, and Ron & Julie Wodenka, all of Niagara Wisconsin. He also leaves his three sisters, Donna Westing, Pat & Joe Zerlot, and Delores McFarlane; two brothers, Dennis Hanes and Daryl & Kimberlin Hanes; an uncle, Jack Hanes; an aunt, Edith Cloe; and many nieces, nephews, and close cousins. Enjoy this new adventure, my Honey! I love you M.O.P.! Per Ron’s wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no service. At a future date his ashes will be scattered in a location he designated, and a celebration of life will be held. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ron’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville- MI. 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald Hanes, please visit our flower store.