Ronald Duane Elson

Elson, Ronald Duane Merrill, Michigan The breezes were gently blowing as Ron heard the words, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant." Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away late Saturday, September 24, 2016, at St. Mary's of Michigan, due to injuries received in an accident. Age 78 years. Ronald Duane Elson was born March 23, 1938, in Merrill, Michigan, the son of the late Selda Eleanor (Glinke) and Harvey Newton Elson. He graduated from Merrill High School with the Class of 1955. He married Julie Ann Gorthy on May 12, 1962, and they celebrated 54 years of marriage this past May. He served with the US Army Reserves. Ron was an engineer, with his career spanning employment at Baker Perkins, Amigo and Delphi, from which he retired in April of 2000. He also engaged in farming all of his life. He was an active member of Saginaw First Church of the Nazarene, serving as a church board member for 26 years. He was currently a member of Merrill Wesleyan Church, serving two years on its church board and also as a cook for the Men's and Women's Breakfasts. Ron was an absolute faithful fan and attendee at his children's and grandchildren's sports and other activities. Ron was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and skiing, had been on the Apple Mountain Ski Patrol for many years. He loved working with his hands and always had a project going, whether it was mechanical, carpentry, electrical or other construction. Surviving besides his loving wife of 54 years, Julie, are one son, two daughters and their spouses: Brian and Traci Elson, Gaines, MI; Jill and Kurt Dubay and Jacquelyn and Jeff Buckley, all of Merrill; nine grandchildren: Joshua, Alexa, Brooke, Andrew, Morgan, Nicole, Nick, Noah, and Carli; one brother, Gerald and Jeanne Elson, Rochester, MI; one brother-in-law, Michael and Judy Gorthy, Sanford; six nephews, five nieces and their families. He was predeceased by a sister, Beverly Feight, and by a brother, Reginald Elson. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 30, 2016, at Merrill Wesleyan Church, 3765 N. Chapin Road, Merrill. Pastor Timothy Morris will officiate. Private committal services will be in Lakefield Township Cemetery. Ron's family will receive friends at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 125 E. Saginaw Road, Merrill, from 2:00 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, and then on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Merrill Wesleyan Church. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
125 East Saginaw Street
Merrill, MI
United States 48637