In Memory
Ronald T. Hans
August 3, 1940 ~ September 17, 2024 (age 84)
Ronald T. Hans, 84, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024 in his hometown of South Bend, IN. Ron was born on August 3, 1940 to the late Neal and LaVerna (Essig) Hans. He loved spending summers growing up on Magician Lake, where his parents owned a cottage.
Ron was a graduate of Central High School. It was there he met and later married the love of his life, Patricia Lochmondy on Valentine's Day.
His father was a South Bend Police Officer and Ron followed into a First Responder career, becoming a South Bend Fire Fighter in 1969. Firefighting was a job that fit him well and he enjoyed it until his retirement in 2004. It was there he became known at "RT." RT was a one of a kind, colorful character. The "RT" stories are still being told 20 years after his retirement. He was well-respected and found many life long friends in the department.
Ron had many interests. He loved hunting yearly in Kentucky, fishing any time at Juno Lake, wood-working, reading and visiting with friends. He loved life and often said, "I'm going hunting on my 100th birthday." Until last November, there was no one that ever doubted he would do just that. It was in November, after a hunting trip, that they found cancer in his neck.
Ron is survived by his loving, supportive wife of 60 years, Pat. Together they had two daughters, Coleen Vail (Billy) of South Bend and Robin Hans-Israelov (Jerry) of Winnetka, IL. Surviving are six grandchildren; Billy (Ashley) Vail, Nick (Leanne) Vail, Brooke Vail (Tommy) Kostielney, Alex Israelov, Breezy Israelov and Dani Israelov and five great grand children (Henry, Jesse, Nora, Raegan and Audry). Ron is also survived by his only sibling, Charlene Magee (Ron) of North Chesterfield, VA.
Family and friends may begin visiting at 9:30 am on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Palmer Funeral Homes -Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635. A funeral service will be held at 11am concluding visitation. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Memorial Park, Granger, IN.
Memorial Contributions in honor of Ron may be made to Hoosier Burn Camps Inc, 109 North St., Battle Ground, IN 47920. Hoosier Burn Camp is an organization that provides experiences for young children who have suffered trauma from burn injuries.
Online condolences may by shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
09/20/2024 DEC
|