Ronald G. Flesch

Ronald G. Flesch, 82, of Battle Creek, Michigan died Friday morning, February 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at Centrica Rose Arbor Hospice Place in Kalamazoo.

Ron was born May 13, 1942, in Stitzer, Wisconsin to Leo Clement and Elizabeth A. (Novinski) Flesch. He grew up in Platteville, Wisconsin, was a 1960 graduate of Platteville High School and a 1965 graduate of the University of Wisconsin. He moved to Battle Creek in 1965 and later received his master’s degree in classroom teaching from Michigan State University. Ron wore a lot of hats throughout his career. Most of his career he taught or was involved in different aspects of vocational education including architecture, drafting, electronics, woodworking and building. In 1998, he retired from Battle Creek Central High School. He had also taught at Calhoun County Tech Center, formerly Calhoun County Vocational Center and Pennfield High School. He was previously employed at Clark Equipment Company and built homes and did remodeling in addition to teaching and working during his career.

He is survived by his former spouse Cheri (Miller) Ferguson. Surviving are four children, Laura (Jason) Williams, Theresa Shippell (Brad Ringel), twins, Gregory (Shannon) Flesch and Michelle (Todd) White; nine grandchildren; Jarrod Flesch, Garrett Williams, Mitchell Flesch, Andrew Shippell, Benjamin Shippell, Kylie Vosburg, Sierra Williams. Eric White, and Spencer Williams great-grandchildren Wrennen Flesch, Monroe Flesch, and Selah Vosburg. He is survived by one brother, David (Marge) Flesch; a sister-in-law, Janice Flesch; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Ron was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Byron Flesch and Roger Flesch. 

Ron was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, where he taught CCD for many years. For the past five years he attended mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Ron enjoyed building, crafts and teaching industrial arts. He loved traveling, camping and spending time with his family and friends at the cabin in Shelby, MI and at his Westgate timeshare in Florida and Tennessee. Ron will be remembered as a loving father and grandpa, hard worker, educator, and showed compassion for those in need.

Friends and family will be received Wednesday March 26, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Christopher Ankley Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Inurnment will be held later at Calvary Cemetery in Platteville, WI. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service for food and fellowship.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 61 N. 23rd St., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or Centrica Rose Arbor Place, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Personal messages for Ron’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.