Ronald Joseph Walthorn, age 73 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy illness on Saturday, March 5, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Dorothy; brothers Patrick Walthorn and John Reynders; brothers-in-law Howard Vroma, Jay Smith and Jim Smith; sisters-in-law Sr. Annette Byrne RSM and Nancy Walthorn. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Bess; children Debra Tulecki and Donald Walthorn; grandchildren Emily & Claire Tulecki, Kaelynn Walthorn; brother Larry Walthorn; brother-in-law Norm (Rosemary) Byrne; sister Dorothy (Howard) Lapekes; sisters-in-law Avis Rose (Frank) Noor, Lil Vroma, Zeta Smith, Rose Smith, Margie (Gene) Smith, Leona (Mike) Scott, Rose Walthorn; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Ron was a member of the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) and the Creston Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, March 8th 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Ave NE, Ada. Father Mark Peacock presiding. Visitation Monday 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids. Interment St. Patrick Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Holland Home’s Van Andel Pavilion, 2100 Raybrook SE, Ste. 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
