Obituary of Ronald Leo Griesinger

Ronald L. Griesinger, 86, of Niles, gracefully passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones on September 17, 2022.

On November 9, 1935, he was born in Mishawaka, Indiana to his late parents, William and Julia (Kronewitter) Griesinger.

Otherwise known as the community grandpa, Ronald lived his eighty-six years as a generous, selfless man, who enjoyed bringing smiles to anyone he came in contact with. Born and raised in the Michiana area, the impact he has had on the surrounding community was almost as big as his heart. He enjoyed pouring himself into others and teaching them what he knew. He was a sports lover and enjoyed many years of coaching baseball. He was fortunate enough to coach his kids and he loved the experience so much that he continued to coach after his kids finished playing. As his family grew, Ronald was present for most of his kids' and grandkids' sports events, recitals, and concerts. He took pride in his family and was there to support them in every aspect that he was able. Anybody that had the pleasure of knowing him knew that he was a huge Notre Dame supporter. He enjoyed the games as well as the time he could spend with his family when they would get together to watch a game.

On January 7, 1956, Ronald married the woman he would love for the rest of his life, Mary Jo Manhart. Sixty-six years of marriage, five children, ten grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren are all a part of the legacy that Ronald left behind. Although it didn’t come up in conversation much, Ronald served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1956. Shortly after being discharged, he started a career with GMAC and finished his working career after twenty-five years at AM General. He was able to thoroughly enjoy his retirement and spent a good portion of it soaking up the sun at their house in Ocala, Florida. The sudden loss of one of his children brought him and Mary Jo back to Niles where they were closer to family. Throughout the years Ronald enjoyed; playing cards, years of competitive bowling, golf, and camping. Ronald lived a long, meaningful life, and his memory will be cherished by his friends, family, and the entire community that he cared about.

Preceding him in death include his parents, William and Julia (Kronewitter) Griesinger; two of his five children, Theresa Ann Griesinger and Jean Marie Griesinger; as well as three of his siblings, Robert Griesinger, Edward Griesinger, and William Griesinger.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Mary Jo Griesinger; children, Ronald (Cheri) Griesinger, John (Cathy) Griesinger, and Kathleen (Richard) Dyer; siblings, Janet (Jerry) Ivacic, Judy (Clem) Krugh, and Jeanne (Leonard) Merrick; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Carol Griesinger; lifelong friends, Bill and Donna Rhoads, and the Crum family.

Following Ronald’s wishes, a public visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will take place at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, September 22, 2022. An hour of visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with mass at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, there will be a luncheon at the church.

The family encourages all those in attendance to wear any Notre Dame apparel that they have in support of Ronald’s love and support for their teams!

Memorial donations may be made to the Brandywine Cal Ripken Baseball Organization at 3021 S. 3^rd St., Niles, Michigan, 49120.

Memories, condolence messages, and pictures may be shared on Ronald’s webpage at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.