H. Ronald Willging

H. Ronald Willging, 74, of St. Joseph, MI passed away on May 27, 2013 at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Ron was born June 28, 1938 in Dubuque, IA to Henry & Anna (Kregle) Willging. He received his BA in History from Loras College in 1960 and his MA in History from the University of Wisconsin in 1967. Affectionately called Mr. Ging by his students, he taught Latin and History at Maquoketa High School from 1960 to 1967; and Latin, History, and Economics at St. Joseph High School from 1967 to 1995. He received numerous awards, including national recognition for his teaching excellence. Ron was also active in the community as a member of the boards of The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center; the Honor Credit Union; the Michigan Education Association; and Habitat for Humanity, for which he helped build dozens of homes. Ron is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joy (Hingtgen); son Robert Willging of San Francisco, CA; daughters Lisa (William) Payovich of Chicago, IL, and Jennifer Willging (Andrew Teitelbaum) of Columbus, OH; two grandchildren Lily and Gigi Payovich; sister Patricia Hebert; brothers George (Frances) Willging, Clarence Willging and Thomas (Patricia) Willging. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Sun., June 2 at Starks-Menchinger in St. Joseph. A Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Mon., June 3 at 10 am. Donations in memory of Ron may be made to The St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation. Those wishing to share a memory of Ron online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.