Ronald Fredrick Huizenga

Ronald Fredrick Huizenga, age 99 of Spring Lake, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids. He was born on November 18, 1923 in Grand Rapids, MI, to the late Fredrick and Gertrude (Fylstra) Huizenga.

In 1929, Ron and his family moved to Portland, MI. From there, Ron graduated from Portland High School at the age of 16. He returned to Grand Rapids, MI to attend Davenport Institute (University of Grand Rapids). His career began quickly after graduation, when he was hired to work for the Pere Marquette Railroad as an Executive Assistant to their General Manager.

In early 1943, Ron was drafted into the Air Force where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant by the time he was discharged in 1946. From 1946 to 1950, Ron held several executive positions at two companies. His next adventure, in 1950, took him to the University of Paris (Sorbonne) where Ron spent a year studying, before he returned to Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, to complete his education, earning a degree in Business Administration.

Ron had a thriving career, working at notable companies such as Ford Motor Corporation and the Bendix Corporation. He went on to head a capital fund drive for LIT University, his final position before retirement was serving as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Burroughs Corporation, now Unisys.

Ron is survived by his beloved spouse and partner of 56 years, Bob Russette; his sister, Carole Teman; brother, Carl Huizenga; seven nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Gertrude Huizenga; his brothers, Louis and Fred, and their wives; and his brother-in-law, James Teman.

The Memorial Service for Ron will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church (8625 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214).

A private Graveside Service at Great Lakes National Cemetery will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Contributions in Ron's honor be made to Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church.

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