Ronald E. Burgei

Ronald Edward Burgei

CLOVERDALE – Ronald Edward Burgei, 80, of Cloverdale, passed away at 12:36 a.m. on March 7, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born August 18, 1945, in Cloverdale to the late Leo W. and Ladonna C. (Schnipke) Burgei. On September 4, 1965, he married Donna Jean Burkhart, she survives in Cloverdale.

Ron is also survived by two children: Brenda Lynn (Randy) Westbeld, and Steven Ronald (Michelle) Burgei; four grandchildren: Kyle J. Westbeld, Karly L. (Dusty) Graves, Tyler S. (Abbey) Burgei, and Beth D. (Joshua) McCauley; two great-grandchildren: Audrey L. Graves, and Carter J. Graves; siblings: Betty (Edward) Pohlman of Delphos, Joyce (Michael) Rode of Ft. Jennings, Mary (Gerald) Renner of Cloverdale, Norbert Burgei of Kalida, and Roger (Theresa) Burgei of Cloverdale; a brother-in-law Norbert Klima; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his sister, Lucille Klima, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Burgei.

Ron was a millwright at General Motors, Defiance where he retired in 2005. He had also worked at Verhoff Machine and Welding. Ron also farmed for many years, helping his dad and grandchildren. He was a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale where he served as an usher. Ron was also a member of the St. Barbara Holy Name, 4th degree Knight of Columbus, Ottawa Council, 3rd degree Knight of Columbus, Kalida Council, and Cloverdale and Kalida Fish and Game Clubs. He loved to hunt and fish, make birdhouses, gardening and spending time with family, especially grandkids and great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township, and again on Wednesday one hour prior to mass at the church. A Knights of Columbus rosary service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home

Memorial donations may be made to Cloverdale Game Club or Putnam County CAP.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com