Ronald Duane Mezeske's Obituary
On April 21, 2026, we said goodbye to Ronald D. Mezeske, who passed away peacefully overnight.
Born in 1947, Ron lived a life defined by service, strength, and a deep love for his family. He proudly served 24 years in the United States Air Force, including two tours in Thailand during the Vietnam War. One of his greatest achievements was serving as a First Sergeant—a role he held with immense pride. He was deeply respected by those he served alongside, not because he saw himself as their boss, but because he saw himself as their support system—always looking out for their best interests. His military career also took him and his family to Michigan, New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, and their beloved England—experiences that shaped their lives in lasting ways.
Ron and Betty J. (Kooi) Mezeske shared 57 years of marriage, building a life centered on love and family. The family finds comfort in knowing that Ron is reunited with his youngest daughter, Stephanie Mezeske.
For the past 19 years, Ron lived with Parkinson’s disease, and for 17 of those years, Alzheimer’s disease as well—time his family never expected to have after those diagnoses. They know they were fortunate. They had their hero with them every day, and he loved them so fiercely that he fought to stay with them for as long as he could.
Ron’s Parkinson’s disease was service connected at 100%, due to his presumptive exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Thailand. Like so many who served, that sacrifice came with a cost—one he carried with quiet strength and dignity.
The family is incredibly grateful for the care Ron received over the last several years. He was surrounded by an exceptional team at Robbinswood Northcrest, and his hospice caregivers, Molly and Krista, were truly angels on earth. The family extends their deepest gratitude for the compassion and love shown to him.
They take comfort in knowing they will be okay. They have each other—and they will carry Ron with them always.
Ron is survived by his wife, Betty J. Mezeske; daughter, Kimberly (Mark) Armstrong; grandchildren, Payton Armstrong (Jesse Johnson), Jordan Armstrong (Kolby Fry), and Alyssa (Cody) Sauer; sister, Mary Archer; brother, Richard (Barbara) Mezeske; along with brothers-in-law, Larry Kooi and Jeff (Tina) Kooi, family best friend Sharon Swaninger, many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to organizations that support veterans. Two that are especially meaningful to the family are First Responders Foundation (https://firstrespondersfoundation.org) and At Ease USA (https://ateaseusa.org).
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to friends and loved ones for their love and support, and for helping them honor a man who meant so much to so many—and who gave so much of himself to others.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Please consider signing the family’s online guestbook and share memories at https://sytsemafh.com.
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