Ronald Hoff

Ronald Lee Hoff passed away peacefully on September, 18, 2020 after a long illness with his wife, Sue and daughter, Kristen by his side.

The family thanks the staff at Mary Free Bed for assisting him in regaining enough strength to return home for a short time. The family also thanks the staff at Butterworth for their professionalism and compassion they showed during his last hours on earth.

Ron was born on August 1, 1951 in Orange City, Iowa to Arend and Mildred Hoff, who proceeded him in death, Ron was also proceeded in death by his brother, Rev. Marvin D. Hoff, father-in-law Ralph Colby, and nephew Kiel Hoff.

Ron is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan [Colby] Hoff; daughter, Kristen M. Hoff; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Diane Hoff; sister-in-law, Joann Hoff, and his many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly and was proud of their many accomplishments in life.

Ron moved from Iowa to the Grand Rapids area at the age of 9. He attended Grand Rapids Christian Schools, Grand Rapids Community College, and Ferris State University. Ron enjoyed a career as a systems programmer working at both Meijer and Amway before his retirement.

Ron met the love of his life, Sue, on her 19th birthday. After their first date, Sue thought to herself, “I’d like to marry a man like that someday”. And that she did. Ron and Sue married on December 2, 1978 the day after a major snowstorm that delayed even the minister.

Ron loved shooting sports placing in and winning competitions around the Midwest. He retired from shooting begrudgingly giving in to the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis that robbed him of so much. He took great pleasure in his daughter Kristen’s interest in shooting sports driving her to Kalamazoo every Saturday to work with a former Olympic coach in four-position rifle. After he could no longer shoot, he took up collecting knives and ink pens. You could always count on Ron to have a handkerchief and pen in his pocket. If fact, every shirt he owned had to have a pocket for his ever-present ink pen, which he hated lending to Sue as he knew he would never see that particular pen again.

Ron’s last years were limited in what he could do. He loved eating lunch at restaurants where he became a recognized regular. He lived through the daily downloads that Sue and Kristen provided. His pride was obvious in each accomplishment and adventure that his girls had.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 11 AM at Keystone Community Church, (655 Spaulding Ave., Ada, MI, 49301). Please allow extra travel time due road to construction in the area. At the request of Ron, the Rev. Gene DeJong will officiate at the service. The family will greet guests after the service. A meal will be served and attendees are invited to join the family in fellowship. In keeping with Covid guidelines, the service will be held outdoors. Social distancing and face masks are required. Singing will be minimized.

A private interment will be held at Plainfield Cemetery in Belmont, MI.

Ron had a soft spot for children and pets. Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be made to Kids Food Basket, (1300 Plymouth Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, kidsfoodbasket.org) or an animal shelter of your choice.

To read more of Ron's life story, leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.