Ron went home peacefully surrounded by family to be with the Lord on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the age of 84. He was born on the farm in Kawkawlin, Michigan on February 19, 1937 to the late Amos and Clara (Metevia) Leonard. Ron was a devoted catholic Christian and was a member of Prince of Peace Parish- Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus # 3590 and he was a fourth-degree knight, Monsignor of Eugene A. Forbes Council, UAW #699, Grand Squares Square dance club for 40 years and a member of the 4H club. Ron loved traveling with his family, Ron and his wife Dorothy traveled to 24 different countries and have visited all 50 states. He was very close to his family and he never missed an event with them. Ron was very passionate about farming and his yard, loved camping, visiting his cabin in Houghton Lake and home in Florida, working on cars, riding his motorcycle and snowmobiling with his friends. He took pride in everything he did and would help anyone.
Ron is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy (Kozlowski) Leonard; five children, Cheryl (Randy Krick, David (Susan) Leonard, Cindy Plant and her significant other Mike Coan, Douglas (Tammy) Leonard and Brenda (Daniel) Paten; nineteen grandchildren, Shaun and Justin Krick, Kristen Lower, Steven, Jacob and Emily Leoonard, Jim, John and Kyle Plant, Michael, Katie, Russell and Jared Leonard, Brandon, Wesley, Tyler, Danielle, Joseph, and Joshua Paten; Nineteen great grandchildren; sister Arlene Janz; three sister-in-laws, Josephine Leonard, Mary McCumber and Elaine Piasecki; brother-in-law, James Kozlowski and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Ron is preceded in death by his sister, Maxine Miller and brother, Joseph Leonard.
A private Funeral Mass will be held March 17, 2021 at Prince of Peace Parish-Sacred Heart Catholic Church Campus in Kawkawlin, Michigan. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Nicholas Coffaro with interment in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the church on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Vigil for Ron will take place Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. We are currently still under the governor's executive order of social distancing and limited to 50 visitors in the church at one time. You may experience a wait while paying your respects, face coverings must be worn. Contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus #3590 and to McLaren Hospice.