Ronald Jay "Ronnie" Voelker

Ronald Jay "Ronnie" Voelker of Battle Creek, MI

Ronnie, age 80, died Sunday September 23, 2018 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital following a short illness.

Ronnie, the son of Harold and Viola (Rivenburg) Voelker, was born in Battle Creek on April 1, 1938 and was a lifetime area resident. He graduated from the old Kellogg Agricultural School (now Gull Lake Schools) and attended Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Ronnie was a gracious donor to his alma mater Western Michigan setting up The Voelker Family Scholarship and support of The WMU Gary Fund. He was a Broncos season ticket holder for many years in support of the football program.

Ronnie and his brother, Phillip became the third-generation owners of Battle Creek Glass Works, Inc. which his grandfather John opened and then became the business of Harold and Roland Voelker. Ronnie retired from Battle Creek Glass Works, in 1995 to enjoy the fruits of his labor only to return in 2010 to run the business when his brother Phillip died. In 2015 Ronnie then sold the business to three partners and the business is still very active in contract glass and glazing and has continued to be successful.

Ronnie was a member of the Bedford Area Lion's Club, an avid bowler for Central Iron & Metal and fisherman. He and his brother enjoyed many hours of deep-sea fishing off the shores of Jupiter, Florida where they owned a seasonal home. In Saugatuck, Michigan he owned a condo where his beloved boat named "The Song of The Sea" was docked right outside his window. He enjoyed fishing with friends and would even offer to charter trips with business associates. Of all things he loved to do fishing took top priority with the boat getting much use on Lake Michigan.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Phillip. Surviving is his sister-in-law, Patsy Voelker; nephews, Lenny, John and Tom Dyer of Battle Creek; his cousin, Mary Jane Voelker of Pueblo, Co and special secretary and friend for 42 years, Kristina Smith of Battle Creek. Many friends in Jupiter, Florida as well as Saugatuck and Battle Creek, Michigan.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 28, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. The funeral service to celebrate Ronnie's life will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 10:30 am in the funeral home with the Rev Robert G. Muirhead, officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ronnie's honor may be directed to the Bedford Area Lions Club, c/o Ronald Keagle, 9425 Altman Road, Dowling MI 49050 or Western Michigan University, Mike Gary Athletic Fund, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.