Ronald R. Nerkowski

Ronald R. Nerkowski, 79, of Antrim Twp., Wyandot County, died early Monday, July 4, 2016 at his home: The place he and wife Janice considered their sanctuary.



He was born April 4, 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Peter and Leocadia (Plona) Nerkowski and was a 1956 graduate of Parma High School. Shortly thereafter, Ron enlisted in the US Army and served as a paratrooper until his honorable discharge. He worked as a tool and die maker in Cleveland and California before settling down on a piece of property in Wyandot County. He was employed at General Electric where he met his soul mate, Janice A. (Muchow) Metzger whom he married on October 19, 1974. Ron finished his work career at Tower Automotive in Upper Sandusky which gave he and Janice more quality time on the farm where he enjoyed the wildlife and dearly loved his English bulldog, Bentley.



Ron was a lover of all music and was an accomplished accordion player which he proudly played in a local band while growing up. He was a happy man who enjoyed riding his Harley, cruising in his Corvette and never missed his morning ride around the farm searching out various wildlife. He will certainly be remembered for the jokes and pranks that he pulled with family and friends.



In addition to Janice, his wife of 42 years, Ron is survived by a son, Scott (Anita) Nerkowski; four grandchildren, Jason, Ryan, Nicole, and Bradley Nerkowski; three step-children, Randall (Patti) Metzger, Rebecca Gerhart, and Christina (Dave) Reffey; eight step-grandchildren, Jennifer Holbrook, Neil Metzger, Shawn Gerhart, Kyle Gerhart, Craig Reffey, Christa Reffey, Paula Merritt and Vanessa Reffey along with 12 step-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one stepson-in-law, Charles Gerhart.



Family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Thursday, July 7 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820. Military rites provided by US Army Honor Guard at 5:00 will conclude the gathering. Private burial in Oakwood Cemetery will be held on a later date.



Memorial contributions can be given to either Wyandot County Humane Society or OhioHealth Hospice through the funeral home.