Ronald Joseph Chandonnet

On July 4, 2026 Ronald Joseph Chandonnet passed peacefully at 89 with his family by his side. He was born at home in Muskegon on April 29, 1937 to Raymond and Flora (Holtz) Chandonnet. He grew up in Muskegon Heights and was a 1955 graduate of Muskegon Catholic. He married his high school sweetheart Gail Harris in 1957 and they enjoyed 60 years together.

After graduating from Western Michigan University, his lifelong philanthropic life began. He was a speech therapist, teacher, vocational services administrator, special education director and even a mobile hearing lab technician for the railroad industry. His various jobs moved him throughout Michigan. He was Man of the Year in Mount Pleasant in1972. In the mid 70's, the family moved back to West Michigan where he began a long career as special education director, always making teachers and students his number one priority. Moving to Arizona for 14 years, he continued to work various jobs before moving back to Fremont, Michigan. A man of deep faith, he lived out his beliefs through active devotion to the Catholic Church and dedicated service as a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. In his later years, he married Shirley Vallier-Larson and shared many happy memories living in Marco Island and Norton Shores.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing, crosswords, and card games--especially cribbage--where his competitive nature really shined.  He was well-known for his booming voice, often heard singing loudly to wake up a household or singing hymns at Mass. He was a wordsmith and his poems, which he usually penned as a personalized gift to others, reflected his admiration, strong faith and great sense of humor, will be cherished forever.

Ron is survived by his sons, Jeff (Cindy Alexander) and John (Judy Maki); grandchildren:  Jennifer (Rodney) Robeson, Scott (Sara) Colvin, Missy (Jon) VandenBerg, Jeff (Lacey) Chandonnet, Katie (Eric) Kalvaitis, Tony (Maggi) Chandonnet; 19 great grandchildren and 1 great-great; a sister, Karen (Art) Lambert; brother, Dennis (Marilyn) Chandonnet; sister-in-law, Joyce (Norm) Howell; and many nieces and nephews.
 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Gail; his siblings and their spouses:  Joan (Red) Phillips, Camille (Frank) Tejchma, and Roger (Gloria) Chandonnet.

There will be a time of visiting with the family from 5-7 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home.  There will also be a time of visiting with the family from 10:30-11:00 AM on Friday, July 24, 2026 at St Michael Catholic Church in Brunswick, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 AM with Fr. Pete Schafer as Celebrant.  Interment will follow the Mass at St Michael Catholic Cemetery, and a luncheon and time of sharing will follow the burial at the St Michael Catholic Church Fellowship Hall.  

The family would like to thank Harbor Terrace staff and Emmanuel Hospice for their compassionate care.  Suggested Memorials:  Emmanuel Hospice or Knights of Columbus Council 706.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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