Ronald Retka

RETKA, Ronald Thaddeus - 87, of Gaines, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday, February 4, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Road, Gaines.  Fr. Tom Nenneau celebrant.  Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Gaines.  Visitation will be held Friday from 4-8 PM at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St, Linden and Saturday at church from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass.

Ron was born July 20, 1935 in Flint, the son of Anton "Anthony" and Hattie (Matuszewski) Retka.  He was a 1953 graduate of Gaines High School and he received a Bachelor's in Economics from Michigan State University.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.  He had resided back in Gaines since 1998 coming from Chicago, IL.  Ron retired from UPS in Chicago, IL.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gaines and the Knights of Columbus Council #12186.  He also was a member of Durand Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3851, Durand Moose Lodge #2508 and he was a life member of the Fenton V.F.W. Curtis Wolverton Post #3243.  Ron enjoyed making wine and bird watching.

Surviving are: his sisters, Marialice Taylor of Pinellas Park, FL, Eileen (Fred) Kosarek Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Nancy (Walter) Hamilton of Ypsilanti, MI; 8 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Retka; and nephews, Michael, Christopher and Robert, Jr. Retka.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com