Ron H. Rimer

One of the most charismatic individuals to bless our lives, Ron Rimer will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His sense of humor, winded stories, crass commentary, and tender heart will forever leave an impression on us. Ron passed away on February 26, 2020 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at the age of 85. Ron, born on September 11, 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri, was the son of Clara (Spears) and Harry Rimer. As the eldest of 3 boys, he was the first to find trouble and often spoke of his wild adolescent adventures with high esteem - throwing cherry bombs down his high school's chimney and going for joyrides in his stepfather's police car (unbeknownst to him) always gave him a good laugh. Upon early adulthood, he moved to Southern California and met his first wife, Estella. In order for Ron to be embraced by her family, he had to learn to speak Spanish and adapt to their Mexican heritage which he did with bravado. They had two children and while his marriage didn't last forever, his love of the Mexican people, culture, and music continued. He later studied Culinary Arts at several schools throughout Europe then returned to San Diego where he worked as a caterer alongside his second wife, Sandra, to which they shared a son. He met his third and last wife, Elizabeth (Ostrin) while working for his youngest brother in Sacramento, California. In 1994, they moved to Missouri where both had been born and raised. Ron regularly enjoyed a good meal and drinks with friends and family and often cooked for family gatherings and holidays. He and Elizabeth spent many years attending Missouri Tigers sporting events and attending Chicago Cubs and Bears games. For the last 10 years they regularly visited Puerto Vallarta and often took trips to various destinations in Mexico prior. He always enjoyed singing with the Mariachi Bands and frequently requested his favorite song by Jorge Negrete, "Mexico Lindo y Querido." Even in his advanced stages of Alzheimer's, he remembered the lyrics to this song - a song that always brought tears to his eyes. Ron is survived by his Wife Elizabeth; Brother Gil (Barbara) Bledsoe, Jr.; Daughter Celinda "Delie" Rimer; Son Jon (Andrew) Rimer; Daughter Brittany (Christian) Sage and many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother; Stepfather; Sisters, Joanne (Caldwell) and Judy (Ballenger); Brother Robert Bledsoe and Eldest Son Ronald Rimer, Jr. Contributions may be made in Ron's honor to the Alzheimer's Association.