Ronald James Brow Sr.

Ronald James Brow Sr, age 85, of Rockford went to his heavenly home on December 25, 2021. Ron was born in Lake Leelanau. He joined the US Marine Corp when he was 17 and served honorably during the Korean war as an air traffic controller in the 1st Marine Air Wing. Ron could always be seen with tools in hand. He was the founder and owner of Grand Rapids Machine Repair for 40 years and in his retirement he loved rebuilding old and antique tractors, especially John Deere’s. He loved being outdoors, going fishing, and riding on his John Deere Gator. Ron’s life was full of joy, determination and patience. Above all, he loved his family. He will be greatly missed for his dedication to his family, his generous and loving heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Delmina Brow; grandson, Ricky Bergers; as well as many of his siblings. Ron will be lovingly remembered by the love of his life of 62 years, Esther Brow. Ron was the youngest of 11 children, surviving are his sister, Eloise Heniser and brother, Merle Brow. Also surviving are his children, Mary (Ed) Baniukaitis, Lori (Rick) Bergers, Ron Jr (Lisa) Brow and Patti (Dave) Fox; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, December 31, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 4351 Parnell Ave NE, Ada, MI 49301. Burial will be at Cannonsburg Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 4-7 PM on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI 49306. Interment at Cannonsburg Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com