Ronald Neil Matheison

March 21, 1937 ~ September 1, 2024

Ron was a loyal, loving husband of 43 years to Diane who proceeded him in death 7 years ago.

Ron was a caring, loving father to his children, Laural (Dickson) Henry, Neil (Nan) Matheison, Lisa (Gary) Evans, Bruce Matheison, Ron Matheison, Dawn (Derek) Katz, Kirk Matheison, Tracy (Sheila) Matheison and Tammy Peterfish who proceeded him in death.

Ron was a proud Grandpa to his fourteen Grandchildren and six Great-Grandchildren. He will also be missed by his brother, Will, and his two nephews, Ken and James.

Ron grew up in a cozy town in Jeddo, Michigan. He was born to Neil and Winifred (Ferrett) Matheison who were both teachers. This is where Ron gained his passion for teaching. He graduated from Central Michigan University, then embarked on a thirty-eight-year career in teaching 8th grade science to generations of students. He also co-wrote a science book for school systems. In his time at Lakeview Schools, he also was the girls’ tennis coach, won state title twice. He was also the athletic director, boys’ basketball coach, chair of the science department, and head of the grievance committee. His skills at teaching earned him a Teacher of the Year Award. 

Ron owned his own lawn service company and chaperoned 8th grade tours to Washington, D.C. In earlier years sold and spent time as a youth conservation educator. He would like to share stories about his life during the summer when he cooked for an all-girls camp. He was especially proud of designing the wolf exhibit at Binder Park Zoo with his gifted and talented students. 

He was an avid outdoorsman, and he enjoyed many types of hunting and fishing. He loved watching sports, especially football. He loved league bowling and playing cards, he was a very talented card player. You would not want to play against him in euchre. 

Ron loved his two cats, Tux and Abby, who gave him comfort over the last seventeen years. 

Ron will be dearly missed by his family, friends, coworkers, and students. He will be missed by his nurses and specialists at Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan, who always said, “He is so sweet.”

Visitation for Ron will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Marshall. A luncheon will be immediately following in the reception hall at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Binder Park Zoo or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.