Ronald C. "Ronnie" Hesselschwardt

Ronald C. Hesselschwardt, known also as Ronnie, Ron, dad, Pop and grandpa by those who knew and loved him, passed peacefully January 10th at the age of 78 surrounded by those he loved.

Ron was born August 20th,1946 in Defiance, OH to Gilbert and Pauline (Gutman) Hesselschwardt. Ron was a graduate of Fairview High School class of 1964 and met his wife of 54 years Phylis (Figgins) Hesselschwardt in 1969. They wed on May 2nd, 1970 at Marysdale Catholic Church in Ney Ohio. They have three children: Staci (Eric) Benoy of Greensboro, NC; Brent (Michelle) Hesselschwardt of Defiance, and Trent Hesselschwardt of Defiance. They have 6 grandchildren: Erica Benoy, Ethan Benoy, Ava Hesselschwardt, Gil (Korrine) Hesselschwardt, Beau Hesselschwardt and Vada Hesselschwardt.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Phylis of Defiance, his children, brother Jerry (Cindy) Hesselschwardt of Ney, OH, sisters Sharron (Dan) Peters of Stryker,OH, Bonnie Zeedyk of Sherwood,OH and Mary Gustwiller of Defiance. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert Hesselschwardt and Rick Hesselschwardt, and sister Judy Smith.

After retiring from Browns Bakery in Defiance, Ron and Phylis spent the majority of their time at their favorite place in the world, their cottage on Hamilton Lake, IN where they always had a house full of family and friends. He was a passionate supporter of Defiance High School athletics and a devoted Penn State fan. He loved to woodwork, often building things for his grandchildren to cherish and loved to work on classic cars, restoring them to past glory. He was a member of St Johns Catholic Church in Defiance and the Elks Lodge No. 147 where he loved sharing time with friends. Ron was a stranger to no one and will be missed by his family and friends.

Visitation hours will be Wednesday, January 15th from 2-8pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am Thursday January 16th at St John Catholic Church in Defiance, with Fr. David Cirata officiating. Ron will be laid to rest at Marysdale Catholic Cemetery.

Ron's family would like to extend our thanks to Brookview Nursing Home Staff and Elara Caring Hospice for taking such good care of him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to the Defiance HS Athletic Program or Elara Caring Hospice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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