Ronald D. Hagenbarth

Ronald D. Hagenbarth was 93 years of age when he peacefully joined our heavenly, loving Lord on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville, Michigan. Ron was born on October 9, 1932, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Victor E. Sr. and Cleo V. (Clark) Hagenbarth of which, he was their second son.

Ron graduated from Saint John High School in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in 1950. He then attended The Junior College of Benton Harbor, Michigan, receiving an Associate of Arts Degree in 1952. He went on to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Business degree in Business Administration and Finance in 1954. While attending college, Ron participated in many activities ranging from being a cheerleader to singing karaoke. Ron was also a dedicated member of the Sigma Epsilon fraternity, where he contracted a severe case of poison ivy while attending a fraternity bonfire, ultimately meeting the love of his life, Laura, in the infirmary.

Ron and Laura were married on September 25, 1954, at Saint John Catholic Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  Together they lived in Benton Harbor until 1970 when they moved to Watervliet, Michigan, where they lived for another fifty years. Ron and Laura spent seven years snow-birding to North Fort Myers, Florida, until finding a home in Valrico, Florida, in 2017 where they remained until returning to Michigan in 2022. Together, they celebrated 69 years of marriage, until Laura’s passing in December 2023.

Ron worked in many roles throughout his years ranging from Modern Plastics (7 years) and Auto Specialties (20 years) to the Watervliet Township Treasurer for 8 years. Ron also took pride in his budgeting and entrepreneurial abilities where he managed his family’s rental properties.

Ron was a faithful Catholic; he lived with honesty, integrity, and earnestness in all that he did. He generously donated his time and knowledge to several charities and was always willing to help others. Ron was as a member of the Knights of Columbus since February 1953, transferring to Council 4055 in Watervliet, Michigan, in 1970.

Ron will always be remembered for being very patriotic and having a wonderful sense of humor. He was also a caring and determined man full of personality. He was famous for despising his middle name—so much so that it was never typed out in respect of his wishes. Ron was a loving father who wanted to provide the best for his family. As such, he gave up smoking cigarettes to set a better example for his children to emulate. He also took great pride in maintaining a pristine lawn and home that displayed his patriotism year-round. He also had a knack for working with his hands, especially when it came to home improvements. In his spare time Ron loved to fish and golf—where he proudly earned two hole-in-ones. He strongly believed in “family always came first.”

Ronald Hagenbarth is survived by his five children: David (Rhonda) Hagenbarth of Galloway, Ohio, John (Susan) Hagenbarth of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Joseph (Ellen) Hagenbarth of Valrico, Florida, James (Gayle) Hagenbarth of Three Oaks, Michigan, and Lynda (Mark) Wurzel of Berrien Center, Michigan. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Rachael Hagenbarth, Ashlee Hagenbarth, Marcia (Joe) Hune, Scott Hagenbarth, Bryan Hagenbarth, Brenna Hagenbarth, Amanda Hagenbarth, Alyse (Trae) Orban, Codie (Justice) Hagenbarth, Caitlyn (Nick) Gentry, Marissa (Dimitri) Roussos, Jeremy Hagenbarth, Joshua (Michelle) Hagenbarth, Jessica (Ryan) Ketterer, Brendon (Kayla) Wurzel, Bradley (Brianna) Wurzel, and Victoria (Jacob) Haygood. Ron’s legacy is carried on even further by 13 great-grandchildren, with number 14 due in October 2026. He is also survived by his precious sister, Bette Westrick; many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and his faithful dog, Trixie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura (Stephenson) Hagenbarth, parents, brother, Victor E. Hagenbarth Jr., brother-in-law, George Westrick, and his daughter-in-law, Teresa Hagenbarth.

Ron’s Catholic funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:30 am EST at St. Bernard Church 555 E. Delaware Avenue Benton Harbor, Michigan, 49022. The family will greet guests starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow the Mass of Christian Burial immediately at Calvary Cemetery 1736 E. Napier Avenue Benton Harbor, Michigan, 49022.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to: St. John Church, 600 Columbus Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan, 49022.