Ronald TerMolen

Kindhearted, fiercely loyal, and the steadfast foundation of his family, Ronald TerMolen enriched the lives of all those near in ways big and small. His generosity was limitless, exemplified in the way he went above and beyond to serve others at every opportunity, and he savored every chance to hold his loved ones close. Already so greatly missed, Ron will be forever loved and remembered.

The early 1950s were among some of the most exciting years to be living in the United States of America. Following the end of WWII just a few years before, the world was finally beginning to find healing and settle back into the regular patterns of life. Here at home, the economy was flourishing, and the historic baby boom was underway. During this influential time, Arthur and Lois TerMolen of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their second baby. Arthur supported the household as a salesman for a local milling company while Lois was a dedicated homemaker. On June 8 of 1951, they welcomed their son, Ronald Jack, into their arms.

Growing up, Ron was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. His earliest years were spent in the family home in the Creston area on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. Ron was raised alongside his older brother, Alan. Coincidentally, the boys shared a birthday! The family had a cottage on Muskegon River, where Ron enjoyed spending time with his aunts, uncles and cousins. The TerMolens also often went along and camped whenever Arthur had to travel around Michigan for work. Ron began his education at East Leonard Elementary School.

At 12 years old, Ron first felt tragedy with the devastating loss of his mother, Lois. The family relocated to the Kentwood area, and Ron found himself struggling to start over in a new area. His family grew when his father was remarried to Arlene Schievink, who had children of her own, Gregg, Kim, Bryan, and Todd. Ron graduated from East Kentwood High School in 1969. He then went on to attend community college for a time before enlisting in the United States Army Reserves to serve his country. Ron was trained and stationed in Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He served primarily as a truck driver for the Army, making runs up to Wisconsin.

Following his active duty in the Army, Ron found employment with Westinghouse. He started out in the factory and earned his way into management. Ron met a coworker, Laurie Carrigan, and they married at Park Congregational Church on June 14, 1975. They newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Yellowstone. They had packed clothes appropriate for June in Michigan, but with the colder weather in Yellowstone, they found themselves shoveling snow off the car with Frisbees! Ron and Laurie settled down in Jenison, Michigan, right next door to his brother.

It wasn’t long before Ron’s family began to grow. He was overjoyed to welcome his son, Nathan, into the world in 1977, followed by his precious daughter, Ellen, in 1984. Ron thrived in his role as a father, and spending quality time with family was very important to him. The kids would remember camping at Wabisis Lake and enjoying camping and canoeing trips with family. Although Ron’s marriage to Laurie would eventually end, he was always grateful for the children they shared.

In 1984, Ron’s life was forever changed when he met a woman named Julie Rowson at work. Their relationship blossomed, and the two were united in marriage in Cancun, Mexico, on April 12 of 1988. Ron and Julie settled down in Tallmadge Township to begin their lives together. That same year, Ron’s family grew to include Katy, Laurie’s daughter, who is a sister to Nathan and Ellen and was lovingly “adopted” by Ron and Julie. Later in life, Ron was thrilled to become a grandfather to his three beloved grandchildren, Connor, Evan, and Addison. He considered himself deeply blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

A lifelong learner with an exemplary work ethic, Ron went back to school and earned his Bachelor of Science from Aquinas College. He was a lifetime member of Fourth Reformed Church, finding community and growing in his faith. When Julie was downsized, she took the challenge in stride and launched Creekside Landscaping out of their home for the next 22 years. After retiring in 1999, Ron went to work alongside her. All three of the children worked for the business as well.

Over the years, Ron’s family and many friends enjoyed several memorable fishing and camping trips. They often traveled to Canada to fish for pike, they enjoyed both train and fly in trips. Ron had a motorhome for 10 years, and they took it up to Canada in 1993. Ron also enjoyed hiking and exploring national parks, including the Mammoth Caves and the Smokey Mountains. He was able to visit many beautiful locations over the years, such as Anna Maria Island in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Turks and Caicos, and Jamaica.

Music was one of Ron’s biggest passions. He was always happiest when he was involved in music, be it playing guitar and singing, attending concerts, or visiting guitar factories. He taught himself to play acoustic guitar at the age of 16. For 20 years, Ron played in Friday night jam sessions in Greenville. He also played in church on the worship team or at funerals and weddings, and around Christmas, he loved playing for the kids and grandkids. Ellen would remember him often singing “My Girl” in the car. Ron’s creativity also shone in his print and sculpture art. He and Julie were members of a Westinghouse golf league. Some of Ron’s favorite foods included Italian sausage with peppers, jambalaya, homemade zuppa toscana and egg rolls, and kielbasa with kapusta. Ron was known to be an adventurous eater with a love for spicy food, but he also had a sweet tooth for ice cream. He looked forward to getting breakfast with Katy’s husband, Brandon, at Peppermill in Standale. Around the house, Ron enjoyed bird watching. He was an avid reader and had a lifetime membership to the National Geographic.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Ronald TerMolen, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for those around him. A dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, Ron’s family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure, and he was a powerful role model of compassion and selfless service for all who looked up to him. Although life will never be the same without Ron here, he leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Ronald J. TerMolen age 74, of Tallmadge Twp, passed away unexpectedly on April 21, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lois TerMolen; step-mother, Arlene Schievink; step-brother, Gregg (Judy) Schievink; and his beloved dogs, Chester, Petey and Birdie. Ron is survived by his wife, Julianne “Julie”; children, Nathan (Andrew Schneider) TerMolen, Ellen TerMolen and Katy (Brandon) Nichols; and grandchildren, Connor, Evan, and Addison. Also surviving are his brother, Alan (Toni) TerMolen; step-brothers, Kim Schievink, Bryan (Jan) Schievink and Todd (Sue) Schievink; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Friday May 1, 2026 at Fourth Reformed Church, 1226 Union Ave NE in Grand Rapids. Family and friends will gather from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Thursday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to Fourth Reformed Church or Humane Society of West Michigan. Celebrate Ron’s life by sharing a favorite memory or photo on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com