Dr. Ronald "Ron" Komarek DDS's Obituary
Dr. Ronald “Ron” Komarek, DDS, age 82, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 2, 1939, to Alexander and Mary (Inglat) Komarek in Muskegon. Upon graduating from Muskegon Catholic Central High School, he continued on to Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he graduated from dental school and served the West Michigan community for over 47 years. He gladly donated his dental services to the staff of Madonna House, nursing home patients, and refugees. On July 3, 1985, he married the love of his life, the former R’na Hagen, with whom he spent 36 wonderful years.
Ron was proud of his Polish heritage. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, hiking, skiing, sailing, and was passionate about wilderness canoeing. Ron attended an annual spring canoe trip for 46 years alongside cherished friends and canoed over 36 backcountry Canadian rivers. A longtime runner he continued jogging nearly every day even at 82 years old, but to his wife’s chagrin “was never old enough to golf!” Ron’s other true passion was adventure travel, especially with his best friend Patrick, which provided unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime stories that his family, friends, and patients came to know so well. From sneaking into closed ruins in Central America, to exploring the Amazon in a dugout canoe with a baby monkey, to bribing a pilot to fly to Madagascar, Ron loved living life to the fullest and exploring all the world has to offer.
Upon retiring from dentistry, Ron maintained a servant’s heart. An active member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, he often volunteered as Eucharistic Minister. Ron loved being an MCC alumni, where he was past volunteer coach for middle school cross country, assisted with spring musical construction, chaperoned a spring mission trip to Mississippi, and was current board member of the Green & Gold Club and other committees. He was a proud swim parent and never missed one of his daughter Kara’s swim meets, often volunteering as lane timer and chauffer. Ron also served his neighborhood, winning Neighbor of the Year award with R’na in 2017. Ron was always ready to serve.
Ron was a lifetime member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations, Muskegon District Dental Society, and life member of the Muskegon Yacht Club. He was also member of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity and the Knights of Columbus Council 706.
He is survived by his wife, R’na (Hagen) Komarek, daughter Kara Komarek, mother-in-law Carolyn Hagen, brothers-in-law Gary and Greg Hagen, beloved nieces and nephew, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Alex & Mary Komarek and father-in-law Richard Hagen.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at The Lee Chapel of the Sytsema Funeral Home, 6291 S. Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49441. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11 am led by Fr. Charlie Hall at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 2929 McCracken St, Norton Shores, MI 49441. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name can be made to the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation, Friends of Hackley Public Library, or charity of your choice.
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