Obituary of Ronald E Dove

Ronald Eugene Dove of Venice, Florida passed away peacefully on March 24, at age 90, surrounded by family.

Ron was born on August 22, 1933, in Crystal Falls, a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Navy, an experience which forever changed his life. Because of the GI bill, he was able to attend college and proudly graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Economics.  He began his professional career at General Motors, Flint, Michigan, and later moved on to Lansing Community College, Lansing, Michigan, where he served as Director of Human Resources for 25 years.

Ron loved his job in human resources and worked long hours. He was highly regarded by his professional colleagues, many of whom sought his counsel and advice over the years. Those who worked closely with him appreciated his energy, fairness and positive outlook on life. He had excellent people skills, a great sense of humor, and the ability to find solutions, even in very difficult circumstances.

When Ron retired in 1995, he was delighted to have more time for family and friends, and his many hobbies. As a “snowbird” he made the most of what Michigan and Florida have to offer. He was never bored. He loved hunting and fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (God’s Country) where he grew up and truly felt relaxed. Being outdoors, collecting rocks, transplanting trees and gardening made him a happy man. He was also very interested in sports, a loyal MSU Spartan, and enjoyed playing tennis whenever he could. Word has it that he was quite competitive on the tennis court in Venice! Being with his family, doing crossword puzzles, and playing cribbage at Finn Lady hunting camp, those were the great joys of his life. He also had fun on the many trips and cruises he took over the years and especially loved spending time with his German and Swiss relatives who always looked forward to seeing him and tried to teach him “a little German”.

Ron is survived by his loving family, his wife Ilse, his son Douglas (Cathy), his daughter Danelle (Joe), his grandchildren Jessica and Mackenzie Phillips, his sister Naomi Ropiak, and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved as if they were his own.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Geraldine Dove, his sister Marlene West and his daughter Rhonda.

Ron was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and a very loyal friend. He truly enjoyed life and was always fun to be around. He will live forever in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on Monday, April 29 at 10 am, followed by a lunch at Sarasota National Golf Club, 23300 National Blvd., Venice, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be given to the charity of your choice.