VASSAR, formerly MIDLAND – Mr. Ronald J. “Ron” Mieske, aged 91, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at McLaren Bay Region, surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born on May 7, 1934, in Beaver Township, Michigan, to William & Bertha (née Lutzer) Mieske. He was raised alongside his siblings and graduated from Midland High School. On September 24, 1966, he married the love of his life, Ms. Ruth Keidel. Together they have shared countless memories, traveled extensively around the United States, and showed world champion Palomino Saddle-Bred horses. In his working years, Ron worked in the profit vending company for the Grand Blanc Tank Plant and then as a maintenance man with Superfoods in Vassar and Bridgeport. Ron was a member of the Palomino Horse Breeders Association and he and Ruth proudly crowned 5 horses as world champions. Ron was gifted with music, as he played in his award-winning polka band “Ron Mieske and his Polka Pals”, and as an individual won several accordion competitions and awards for yodeling where he was known as the “Michigan Yodeler”. In his later years, he and Ruth raised Keeshond dogs. Ron and Ruth enjoyed traveling and cruising, especially trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Florida, and the occasional trip to the casino. Above all, Ron’s happiest moments were spent with his family. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth Mieske; sister; Dorothy (Larry) Nickel; nieces and nephews: Fred Mieske, Karen (Norm) Rosenbrock, Deb Mieske, Judy (Larry) Lauria, Dan (Di) Mieske, Pam (Manuel) Bartush, Kevin (Tracey) Draves, Bill (Vickie) Nickel, Lori (Bill) Chaple, Todd Keidel, Kendra (Ed) Heath, Tyani Gates; and in-laws, Bob & Loretta Keidel; as well as other family members.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, William & Bertha Mieske; siblings, Fred (Louise) Mieske, Frieda (Ken) Mardlin, Edith (Vic) Draves; in-laws, Clara & Ken Compton; nieces and nephews: Lynn Mieske, Dick Mieske, David Mieske, Evan Keidel, and Laura Nickel.

Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Frankenmuth.

Memorial services for Ron will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in Frankenmuth; visitation at church will begin at 9:30 AM and last until the time of service.

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Ron and his family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Vassar. Address: 1148 W. Saginaw Rd, Vassar, MI 48768. Phone (989) 823-8621.

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