Ronald Lee Hellenga

1/26/1938 – 4/16/2026

I was born to Reverend Al and Margaret (Kieldsen) Hellenga on January 26, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They were wonderful parents. I am survived by my loving wife, my rock and best friend, Sherryl; my beloved daughter, Tanya, and son-in-law, Duane Baldwin; and my outstanding son, Lon.

I was blessed with, and am survived by, many wonderful grandchildren: Quinn (Hillary) Baldwin; Kristin (Derek) Hogan; Kiely (Kyle) Getty; Kurtis (Sarah) Baldwin; Kaylee (Charles) Freeman; and Sydney (Bobby) Fishel.

Great grandchildren are many, including Bennett and Beau Baldwin; Davin (Maggie), Broc, and Riely Hogan; Dayne (Olivia) and Brigham Blair and Jack Getty; Payton Hogan and Elle and Iyla Baldwin; August, Hugo, Samuel, Audrey, Roya, Leon, and Silas Freeman; and Micah Fishel.

My wife Sherryl has also blessed me with her children, James (Theressa) Hollis and Emberly Cross (Tara Berta); grandchildren, Alex (Sarah), Connor, and Jacob Hollis, and Jarrod (Dante) Hollis Hoge; Erin and Madison Cross-Kaplan; and great granddaughter, Evangeline Hollis and her mother, Kiem. I am also survived by my brother-in-law, Ron Hofmeyer, and a wonderful bunch of nieces, nephews, and cousins, both here and in Germany. Also surviving are three sisters-in-law, Myra, Sue, and Glenda. Going on before me were my wife, Renate; my parents; brothers Bob, Irving, Wayne, John, Brian; my sisters Barb and Faye; my treasured son, Thad; and my daughter-in-law, Rhonda. I was proud to serve in the Army from 1956 – 1959 in Germany where I met my wife, Renate, the mother of my children. Following graduation from Western Michigan University, I began providing speech therapy and worked over 30 years in various capacities for the Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School District in Cadillac. I was surrounded by a wonderful staff. I would like to be remembered as a “people” person, caring for others; well-being and believing strongly in the dignity of all. If, along the way, I’ve accomplished something good and commendable, thanks for remembering. Thanks also for forgiving my shortcomings. Rod McKuen wrote the following and it has always been one of my favorites: “Each of us was made by GOD, beautiful in His Minds eye. Those of us who turned out sound should look across our shoulders once and help the weak ones to their feet. It only takes an outstretched hand.” It is my wish that no visitation or service be held. Rather, do something nice for someone. Reach out and love your neighbor. Take time to tell folks how much they mean to you. Feed the hungry, minister to the poor and less fortunate. Be kind and care for the earth.

If you wish to make a memorial gift in my honor, please consider the Michigan Special Olympics, 1120 N. Mission Rd., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858, or the After 26 Depot Cafe, a wonderful organization providing employment for adults with developmental and cognitive impairments, 127 W. Cass St., Cadillac, MI 49601. Arrangements have been made through the Burkholder-Nielsen Funeral Home in McBain.