Ronald William Redner, age 84, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026 at his home under the loving care of his family and Corewell Health Hospice.

The son of Donald William & Juanita Francis (Shortale) Redner, he was born on January 6, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was a 1959 graduate of Godwin Heights High School.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Ron served as an Aviation Electrician's Mate Second Class aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga during the early years of the Vietnam War, as well as aboard the U.S.S. America. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his career as an electrician and was a 56-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local No. 275 and a partner in Spencer-Redner Electric in Comstock Park.

A long-time member and Past Master of Grand Rapids Lodge No. 34 Free & Accepted Masons, Ron was also a noble of the Saladin Shrine Temple where he and Sue volunteered countless hours at Shrine events, fundraisers, and delighted in lending a helping hand at the annual Saladin Shrine Circus for many years.

Ron donated his expertise as an electrician at the Shrine Temple, as well as setting up electrical service at the annual Shrine Circus. A member of Shrine’s Legion of Honor, Ron participated in presenting the colors at Shrine Circuses, well as at Shrine ceremonies, parades, and other events and had also been a member of the Security Unit, and the Midway and Grand Valley Shrine Clubs, High Twelve, El Hajj Caravan No. 7, Royal Order of the Jesters Court No. 11, and delighted in the weekly lunch with fellow Mason’s at the former Tillman’s Dining & Cocktails on Monroe Avenue.

On November 9, 1963, at Faith Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, he married the former Sue Jean Zinck and together they raised one son, traveled around the world, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage until Sue passed away on January 19, 2025. If you knew you Ron, you know he loved his garden and his wild life animals.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Christopher Allen Redner; his parents; Dewey & Jaunita Bates; his father, Donald Redner; a brother, Gary Redner; his parents-in-law, Berton & Dorothy Zinck; and Sue’s “extra” parents, William “Bill” & Mary Johnson;

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Sean & Marlene Redner; five grandchildren, Stephanie & Travis Wible, Erin & Chris Miller, Michael DePue and his wife, Noah Redner, and Christopher and Samantha Landers; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Julie Redner, and Jody & Ron Graves; special family friends, Jean & Fred Toms, The Pearl Family, Jamie Kozminski, and Tammy Robach; his Schimperle Drive neighbors and friends; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Ron’s life from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in the Fellowship Hall of Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller Avenue N.E. at 3 Mile Road, Grand Rapids, with Masonic ceremonies beginning the celebration at 4:00 p.m. Burial, with military honors, at Fort Custer National Cemetery near Battle Creek is planned for the first anniversary of Ron’s passing on August 26, 2027 (time will be announced later).

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign R0n’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.