Ron was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 14, 1930, to Clarence and Elsie (Seekman) Klamt. Ron graduated from Assumption High School in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and married Lorraine Bekins in 1951. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. Ron was a longtime member of the Gilbert D. Karsten America Legion Post in Zeeland and volunteered many years on their Rifle Salute Honor Guard. Ron and Lorraine raised their daughter Sherrie in Zeeland. Ron worked in the family business, Zeeland Dry Cleaners, and several other laundromats and dry cleaners. He also owned Aseltine Cider Mill and worked there until he was 88. Ron and Lorraine were longtime members of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and became parishioners of St. Sebastian Catholic Church more recently. In 2019, Lorraine preceded Ron in death.
Ron was an excellent athlete in his youth. He played football and baseball and even played semi-pro football for the Holland Hurricanes. Ron loved to fish, golf, and play cards. He enjoyed traveling with Lorraine, and they traveled all around the world. Ron was also one of Notre Dame’s greatest fans, and he rarely missed a Zeeland Chix or Zeeland Dux home football game.
Ron is survived by his daughter Sherrie Stefan, grandchildren: Kristin & Ryan Compagner, Jon Stefan; great-grandchildren: Reagan, Avery, & Quinn Compagner; sisters-in-law: Kathy Klamt, Lynn Bekins, and many extended family members.
A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave., Byron Center, MI 49315. Visiting hour will be 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Sunday, December 15, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464. Interment will be in the Veteran’s Section of Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial donations in honor of Ron Klamt may be made to Hospice of Holland.
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