Ronald Herbert Schalon

Ronald H. Schalon “LT”, 83, of Baroda, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at West Woods of Bridgman. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, March, 16, 2018, at 10 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 4333 Cleveland Ave., with Pastor Martin Measel officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Bridgman. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 5 PM until 7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to the F.O.P. Lodge #96. Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ron was born on December 1, 1934 in St. Joseph to Herbert & Helen (Hightower) Schalon. He graduated from St. Joseph High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served our country from 1954 until 1957 as a Crew Chief on helicopters. On October 21, 1972, Ron married the love of his life, Christel (Steltner) at Christ Lutheran Church in Stevensville. Ron’s life revolved around being a police officer and protecting his community. For over 50 years, he protected and served varies communities; Lincoln Township, Lake Township, The City of St. Joseph, Berrien County Sherriff’s Department and Longboat Key Police Department in FL. Ron enjoyed tending to the family hobby farm, going to the FOP Lodge #96 to socialize with friends where he and Christel were lifetime members, and most importantly, Ron loved being with his family. He was an incredible, brave and humorous man who will be missed dearly by all. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Christel; children, Sindy Schalon of South Bend, IN, Sharon (Dennis) Schalon-Grau of Sarasota, FL, and Tiffany (Ben) Graves of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Rachel Adamo, Danielle (Keith) Emanuel, and Cody (Fiancé, Whitney Smego) Sposato; great-grandchildren, Natalie Emanuel, Austin, Madison, and Dakota; and brother, Richard (Marlene) Schalon. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Helen; grandson, Benjamin Graves II; and sister, Barbara (Hightower) Willis.