Ronald G. Gustum Obituary
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday June 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. Friends may call on the family for two hours prior to the service, beginning at 4:00 p.m.at the funeral home. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Ron Gustum, 69, of Vicksburg MI passed away at home on June 9, 2023. He was born in Kalamazoo MI on February 6, 1954. In his youth he spent several years in Florida exploring various careers. Later he became a licensed builder in the state of Michigan and successfully established his own concrete company where he specialized in stamped concrete.
Being an exercise enthusiast, he spent many years lifting weights, entering and winning numerous contests, as well as boxing and practicing Taekwondo. On sunny days you might have found him fishing with friends in Northern Michigan or maybe you'd have to track him down traveling the back roads on his Harley. In the fall and winter he was often with friends in Northern Michigan camping and hunting deer.
Ron had a great love of dogs since he was a young kid, with a special fondness for German Shepherds. He also took great enjoyment in classic and muscle cars, frequently reminiscing of past cars he'd owned. And nobody knew the old western shows better than him.
Ron had a huge heart and was always willing to lend a hand, be it to a stranger or friend. If there was some way he could help out, he was there.
He relished being in the limelight and loved making people laugh with his antics. He especially liked to bring out his Donald Duck voice to put a smile on the faces of kids. He will be missed by many friends.
He was preceded in death by Jeff Stewart, his father Aaron Gustum, his mother Josephine (Aspen) Gustum, his brothers Roger, Orland, LaVern and sisters Geraldine, and Anita. He leaves behind his companion of 30 years, Patty Manuel, and her daughter Christy Stewart and son-in-law John Phillips.
