Obituary of Ronald Morris Colpaert

Ronald “Butch” Morris Colpaert was born on January 6, 1945, in Monroe, Michigan.  He graduated in 1963 from Monroe High School as a part of Monroe’s 100th Class.  He passed away on Sunday; January 7, 2024, just one day after his 79th birthday in Toledo at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Ronald worked his way up to Journeyman Meat Cutter at Gruber’s and then spent the rest of his career working for Food Town, Spartan, and Kroger. He retired from Kroger in 2004.
Ron married Barbara Riddle in 1967 at Monroe First Presbyterian Church with Reverand Markham officiating. Ron and Barb have two children: Brian Colpaert and his wife Elizabeth and Jennifer Bacarella and her fiancé Aaron Jensen, and three grandchildren: Bryce Colpaert, Cam Bacarella, and Cait Bacarella.  He was preceded in death by his father and mother: Frederick and Mary (Harman) Colpaert; his brother: Donald and Carole Colpaert; his sister: RuthAnn Patton; his father and mother-in-law: James and Clara Riddle, brothers and sisters-in-law: Linda and John Sisco and Ronald and Marie Riddle.
His pride and joy were his family and being an active participant in all of their lives. He genuinely loved his Green Meadows family where AJ, Erica, and Kris made him feel like it was his second home. He had many golf partners throughout the years, but really loved his rounds with Sam, Bill, Dale, Gary, and Tom. He made a hole in one there in 2015 and was the third flight winner in 2005, both of these accomplishments he treasured deeply.
He is survived by his wife Barb; his children; grandchildren; a brother: Terry; a brother-in-law and golf partner: Dale Riddle and his wife Betty; and many nieces and nephews who came to visit him often. 
The family will be hosting a memorial gathering for Ron at Green Meadows Golf Course on Saturday; January 13, 2024, from 1:00pm until 2:30pm.  There will be time to visit and reminiscence about the man we all loved, with a short service at 2:30pm commemorating his life.  
His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan. 
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Hospital in his name, a charity he loved and supported.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.