Ronald E. Commissaris
January 22, 1943 – July 21, 2020
A graveside service for all who wish to attend will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at South Portage Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 77, passed away unexpectedly on July 21, 2020. Ron was born on January 22, 1943, in Kalamazoo, the son of Donald and Cecelia (Wdowicki) Commissaris. He and wife Sue (Kirkendall) were lovingly married for over 56 years. He was a beloved father to his sons, Mark Commissaris of Kalamazoo and Scott (James Carlson) Commissaris of Fox River Grove, IL, and a cherished grandfather to Caitlin, Melissa, Grant, and Aidan. Survived by brother James (Sue) Commissaris of Kalamazoo, his sisters in law, Lynne (Ed) Whitehead, Hazel Kirkendall; and his brother in law, Jerry (Melissa) Kirkendall. Loved by many nieces and nephews. In addition to serving as a long-time Texas Township Supervisor, he worked for the Upjohn Company for 34 years, and was a great mentor and contributor to the community. He officiated a variety of sports for over 50 years, was still active in the Big Ten. He travelled the world extensively.
So sorry for your loss.
Sincerest condolences to Ron’s loved ones. I did not work directly with Ron since his time as an elected supervisor preceded mine, however I am keenly aware of the high regard Ron holds with area supervisors. His dedication to his community continued as he stepped up to service on the Oshtemo Planning Commission. The community is thankful for the time and expertise he generously offered. Prayers and sympathy, LIbby Heiny-Cogswell Oshtemo Township Supervisor
So sorry to see this. I will always remember Ron from my High School football days. Not many Refs would give you a tap on the helmet and say “Have a great game” Rest in peace Uncle Ronny.
Aunt Susie, Scott & Mark: We were saddened to learn of Uncle Ron’s death. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We feel comforted by the many memories we have of shared times together throughout the years with Uncle Ron. With much love, Crissie (& Nick) and on behalf of Jennifer Waite, Lindsay Beck and Ashley Magill-Collins along with their families
Aunt Susie and your family, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ron was such a special man. He had a beautiful smile. He would always take the time to talk to me. I always enjoyed hearing about the big 10 games he took part in. He will be missed.
Ron was a huge part of my life growing up. We did so much together as a family. Holidays together, family vacations in the summers, ready whip pie eating contests at the kids birthday parties, and the list goes on. I will cherish these memories. He will be missed.
I am sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. I enjoyed working with Ron and particularly enjoyed joining him for conversation.
Dear Sue and Family, You have my deepest sympathies. Ron was such an amazing guy. He gave so much to the community and was an all around super personality. He will be missed by many.
Worked with Ron for several years. He was a good friend to me.
Sending hugs and heartfelt condolences! Ron was a great guy and ‘back in the Upjohn days’ we really enjoyed his humor, wit and spunk. Wishing we were in recent contact. Will be praying for Sue and boys/family in the months ahead.
Sue and family – my deepest sympathy for your loss. I enjoyed games with Ron and times off the field, too. I enjoyed visits with you both. Our thoughts are with you. Peace. Cherish memories. Bill
jim and family, my heart and prayers go out your all of you. Difficult times such as these are the perfect time for all to gather and reflect (I state this again “” all together “” . There must be so many extremely memorable moments that would being out many beautiful smiles. Again my heart goes out to all of you “””” GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Ron was one of the truly “good guys”. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a little smirk on his face when he had some scheme going. He will be missed.
Sue& Family My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was a football ref with Ron in the Mac conference & always enjoyed when we were together. He was a “ class” guy and I am blessed he was in my life. May god bless you& always remember the good times you had with him. Lou Perry
My deepest sympathies to the family. The Big Ten family has lost a great member. We will always remember his smile and companionship at our games. Ron was always a great friend to me!
Sue and family, I am truly saddened by Rons passing he was a good friend all the way back to Norrix and was always so kind whenever I saw him. He will be missed by many.
I have such wonderful memories of my next door neighbor in Milwood. Such a great guy who always had a smile and time for a conversation. Thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
I met Mr Commissaris when I was an 18 year old kid at the Upjohn Company, working in the program that allowed employees kids to work during the summers. I remember how kind he was to me as I learned to efficiently do my job. He was also so much fun, making the shifts go by pleasantly for everyone. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a great guy.
I was so sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. What a great guy and top flight official.
Sue and family, we were so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. Pat worked with Ron on many township issues over many years. He was always fun to be with and many great ideas for Tezas Township and the whole community. May his many memories bring you Please and comfort. God bless.
Please accept my condolences.
Sue, my thoughts are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Sue, I was so sorry to see this today, and send our condolences to you and the whole family! I have many fond memories of the Commissaris family growing up in Milwood! The best though was seeing you and Ron in his WMU t-shirt on deck in Los Cabos bay. It is always fun to be surprised running into ‘old’ friends! May your memories sustain and comfort you at this difficult time! Sending love and prayers for your peace and strength… Laurie and Ron Doering
Sue, we were so saddened to read of Ron’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue and Family; I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I always considered him a good friend and enjoyed being around him. We were in the MAC together as officials. I know he was respected by his colleagues . He was always friendly , courteous and a team player. He will be missed. Please accept my condolences at this difficult time. Cherish the memories ! We all lost a great friend ! Harold Deines
It was my good fortune to have officiated with Ron a few times over his long career on the field and in the booth. A true gentleman who always took time to put everyone at ease. His work with high school athletes was especially great to watch. My thoughts are with his family who already had given so much of him away from them over his officiating career.
My sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. I was a football official in the MAC with Ron.
My condolences to the entire family. Ron was such a nice man and I always enjoyed time with him. He will be greatly missed by many.
Sue and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Ron, your in our thoughts and prayers.
It was so sad to hear of Ron’s passing. As part of “The Upjohn Gang” we had good times. Ron was always fun. Sue, I will be thinking of you in the days to come. It has been two and a half years since Jerry has been gone. It is never easy. Hugs to you and the family!
My condolences to the family. It was always a pleasure to work with Ron, he was just a great guy. The Big Ten will miss him.
I was sorry to hear about Ron’s unexpected passing. I worked with him at the Upjohn Distribution Center for many years. He was a no nonsense, straight forward kind of guy. I will always remember the time he & John Ritchie invited me to join them at a Notre Dame luncheon featuring head coach Lou Holtz in 1990. It was a memorable day to be sure! God bless Ron, Sue, & his entire family. Sincerely, Bill Keselowski