Ronald Schomisch

It is quite a challenge to summarize the life of such an extraordinary man into just a few paragraphs. However, there is one word that resonates throughout the life of Ronald Schomisch – passion. He was passionate about his faith, passionate about his family, and passionate about the things he believed in. Those who knew Ronald knew that his wife was his genuine soul mate and that his family was his greatest treasure. He was a man who was full of life and was never afraid to learn new things, even into the sunset of his life. Imagine the fun he had learning to rollerblade in his seventies! Ronald willingly gave of himself in ways both great and small, never expecting anything in return. A man who imparted wisdom not so much by the words he used but by the life he led, Ronald leaves behind a legacy rich in faith, love, and compassion that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who loved him deeply.

The year 1917 is most often remembered as the year that our nation entered WWI, but it was also the year that the first jazz record was recorded, the first woman joined the United States House of Representatives, and baseball was gaining fans like never before. This was a year of great celebration for the family of Arnold and Clara (Schafer) Schomisch as they welcomed their son, Ronald, into their hearts and home on March 8th. Born in Olive Township, Michigan, he was the oldest of seven children in his family. With a desire to raise their son in the Catholic faith, Ronald’s parents drove a wagon to catch the Interurban Trolley into St. Johns to have him baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church. His father was a farmer who also sold farm equipment while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Ronald attended Fowler schools but left during the seventh grade to help work the farm. He also learned a bit about making beer, too, as he was his father’s brewing assistant when he was 12 years old.

As WWII raged on overseas, it wasn’t until the vicious attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, that America engaged in the fight. Ronald was drafted into the Army and became a medic who was stationed at Walter Reed Hospital. It was while there that Ronald met the love of his life on a blind date. Her name was Margaret Swann and after dating for just a few months, the couple became husband and wife on October 15, 1942, in the Walter Reed Chapel. Shortly thereafter, Ronald was shipped out to Europe and Margaret moved to Michigan to be near her husband’s family.

After his duty to his country was fulfilled, Ronald returned home where he lived with his new bride in rural St. Johns for a time. He got a job digging ditches and then purchased a milk route. In 1949, Ronald went to work at Fisher Body in Lansing where he worked in body repair for the rest of his working days. He and Margaret were blessed with five children: Ronald, Joyce, Ardith, Bette, and Bruce. Ronald was a devoted father who instilled within his children valuable lessons by the example he set including carrying themselves with pride, the importance of working hard, and to stand up for what they believed in. Ronald always seemed to be tinkering with something around the house and could fix just about anything. He designed all sorts of practical gadgets such as his motorized hand tiller. Ronald loved to fish, which became an annual tradition for the entire family on Mother’s Day, and he smoked fish, too. He made sure that every one of his kids had a head start on driving as he had each one behind the wheel of a car before starting driver’s education.

It was easy to see that Ronald was a lover of life. He enjoyed ice skating, playing cribbage and in his book, nothing beat Margaret’s cooking and a good Heineken, although not necessarily together. After 30 years in body repair at Fisher body, Ronald retired, giving him more time to pursue his interests. He and Margaret discovered square dancing shortly before he retired, and it quickly became one of their favorite things to do. They also wintered in Florida for 20 years after Ronald retired. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society, the VFW Post #3733, and he was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. Ronald and Margaret were firm believers in holistic methods when it came to treating ailments.

Even though he enjoyed many things in his life, it was the people in his life who meant the most to Ronald. He was always so welcoming of new family members and took care of his family in every way. Ronald loved on the babies in the family and nothing could have brought him greater joy than becoming a grandfather, great-grandfather, and even great-great-grandfather. He was so pleased that his granddaughter purchased his childhood home, forever linking his past to the future in such a special way.

As his health diminished recently, Ronald was so excited to go home from the hospital. He kissed his beloved Margaret goodbye just moments before he drew his last breath surrounded by the family he cherished more than life itself.

Those who knew Ronald Schomisch will miss his timeless wisdom, his laughter, and his dry humor, but most of all they will simply miss his presence – knowing that he is always there. He was independent and opinionated, although he also knew when to hold his tongue. Ronald took a strong stand on faith and politics and never complained since when life brought him lemons, he just made lemonade. A longtime resident of the Fowler area, Ronald will be dearly missed by the countless people whose lives he touched.

Ronald J. Schomisch died on September 25th at his home. Ronald’s family includes his wife, Margaret; his five children, Ronald (Billie Lou) Schomisch, Jr. of Farwell, Joyce Bushard of Lansing, Ardith (David) Miller of Fowler, Bette (Allen) Dault of Lapeer and Bruce Schomisch of Ionia; twelve grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Raymond (Jan) Schomisch of St. Johns and his sister, Marcella Trierweiler of Westphalia. Ronald was preceded in death by four sisters, Mildred Schomisch, Irene Schneider, Ambra Milbourne and Jeanette Gladden and brothers-in-law, William Gladden, Leland Trierweiler and John Milbourne. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Most Holy Catholic Church in Fowler with burial following the Mass at the Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday with Rosaries at 8 p.m. Monday and 3 and 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.