Ronald Klemish

Ronald Klemish, 79, of Benton Harbor, Mich., passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at his home. A memorial service will take place at noon Saturday, April 2, at First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor, 475 Green Ave., Benton Harbor. Ron was born Feb. 18, 1937, in Saginaw, Mich., to Woodrow and Lydia (Foss) Klemish.  He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1959.  On June 25, 1983, he married Shirley Hagelberg in Lansing, Mich. Ron worked as an independent contractor and builder and then as a project supervisor for the state of Michigan for 22 years.  He was a member of the Lions Club of Onekama, Mich., and Port Charlotte, Fla., and past president of Lansing Home Builders.  Ron loved to build and actually built two homesteads.  He also loved boating and fishing on the “Titanic” (his pontoon) on Chief Lake near Onekama. Ron is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, David (Audra) Klemish of Grand Ledge, Mich., and Paul (Alexis) Klemish of San Francisco; stepson, Christopher Bursian of Madison, Wis.; two grandchildren, Carter Klemish and Connor Bursian; and brother, James Klemish of Saginaw, Mich.  Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Joshua Bursian; and brother, Donald Klemish. Memorial contributions may be made to Outreach Ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor.  Arrangements entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph.  Those wishing to sign Ron’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.