Ronald Charles Case

Born April 9, 1929
Died February 12, 2025

Ron was born in his parents’ loving home in downtown Lansing and spent his entire life in the Lansing area. He caused many trials and tribulations for his Father Charles & Mother Velma Case over the years. He has three siblings Joyce (Don), Reva (Richard), and Gary (Nancy, still living) all who all preceded him in death and certainly were there to welcome him home. The original Case family reunited.

The stories of his childhood and teen years never ended and we never tired of hearing of his adventures with family and friends. From ice skating on the Grand River, to he and his friends riding bikes from Lansing to Grand Ledge, “just for fun,” to swimming across the lake at the cottage his Dad built.

Driving around with Dad was always fun. He’d point and say, there was a dance hall there, I pumped gas here, my grandparents lived there, I dated a girl that lived here, I drove cab around here, I got fresh milk from this farm, I milked cows on that farm.

He loved telling the stories of skipping school and exploring downtown Lansing. When asked what he would do all day, he said he would go into the five and dime or ride the “new” escalator at the Knapps Building or go into one of the local theaters, where a quarter would get you in the door for a double feature, having enough change left over for some candy or popcorn. He loved telling about the day he talked his sister, Joyce, into skipping school with him and going to see a double feature. When they got caught, he said, “Mom and Dad expected it from me but were very surprised with Joyce,” he chuckled.

Ron was a proud Navy Veteran who served from 1946 to 1949, he was a young man of 17 when he enlisted. He served on The U.S.S. Noxubee, and The U.S.S. Albemarle as a Seaman Second Class. The U.S.S. Noxubee was a gas tanker, The U.S.S. Albemarle was a sea plane tender that traveled the Pacific. He was part of several navel units who were tasked with testing different bombs on remote islands, thus the reason for his hearing loss over the years. He loved to box while on board. He would tell us, “He was 175lbs of romping stomping dynamite.” The stories were many, about his years of service and the long-time friends he made. He stayed sharp through his years and always amazed us, when looking at old photos, could still name his service mates which would then prompt additional stories.

He enjoyed roller skating, dancing and swimming in his younger years.

Ron met his lovely bride, Lois, on a blind date on New Years Eve in 1955 and married later that year in August, and the rest, as you say, is history. Five children later, we all would agree, we had a great life and have many fun family memories over the years which will stay with us always.

Ron & Lois enjoyed years of fun on a mixed doubles golf league and bowling league. They traveled and played on many local and distant Michigan golf courses. He also planned many golf trips to Myrtle Beach with a large group of his golfing buddies. When Dad went on a trip, family or otherwise, you can be certain, his golf clubs came along. We also enjoyed camping and gardening together.

Dad was preceded in death by his bride, Lois, of 63 years, and bravely marched on for seven years without her, with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren surrounding him. Preceded also in death was the great loss of his sons (our brothers) Chuck Case who died shortly after being recently diagnosis with ALS on November 13, 2024, and Tim Case quickly followed, with his death on December 13, 2024. The hole is huge with the loss of the beloved men in our family but with our own families and friends’ support we will also bravely march on.

Ron leaves behind his daughters and sons-in-law, April (Jeff) Butler, Holly (Mick) David, Jan Green, and favorite daughter in-law Linda Case.

Dad was also blessed with 23 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren who also have fond memories of their time with Grandpa. He also has many nieces, nephews and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Special thank you to our Hospice of Lansing caregivers – Carol and Kristin and the entire hospice team that worked together to meet all of Dad’s needs. Also thank you to our VA caregivers Paul and Garth who helped us along the way! And a special thank you to Granddaughter Jessica who came along side of us and offered her assistance, love, encouragement and advice.

We are all so very grateful to have had him in our lives for as long as we did, he had a good life. Rest in peace Dad and thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for all that you gave us.

Bring a favorite picture or favorite memory to add or share, to our memory board, if you wish.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with visitation at 11:00 a.m., at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, 2121 N. Cedar Street, Holt, MI, with a luncheon from 1-4 p.m. at Mason-Holt Eagles, 1111 N. Cedar Street, Mason, MI 48854.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions directly to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI, 48910 or on their website at hospiceoflansing.org.