Ronald (Ron) Lee Kochensparger

Ronald (Ron) Lee Kochensparger (age 86), a long-time resident of Catawba Island, passed away on Sunday, September 12th at Stein Hospice in Sandusky, Ohio. Born in Circleville, Ohio on May 28, 1935 to Harry (Pat) Donald Kochensparger and Virginia (Peters) Kochensparger, and then moved with his family to Catawba Island at a young age. Ron graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1955. He was an outstanding athlete in both football and track, where he held the school record in the one-mile run (which stood until the 1970’s). Ron married his High School sweetheart (Patricia) Ann Forster in January 26, 1957. Together they raised 3 children, Michael Alan Kochensparger, Mark Glen Kochensparger, and LeAnn Marie (Kochensparger) Caldwell. His wife Ann preceded him in death on November 29, 2018. Ron served 2 years in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune and Norfolk VA, and continued to take pride in and support the USMC. He also successfully completed a NASA Aerospace apprenticeship at Sandusky High School. Ron’s employment included the Catawba Island Marina, Standard Products, and a career for many years as an Aerospace Testing Technician at both NASA Plum Brook Station and Ares, Inc. Ron served as Fireman, EMT, Assistant Chief and then Chief of the Catawba Island Volunteer Fire Department for over two decades and was inducted as a Lifetime Member. After retiring as Chief, he and his wife Ann continued to support the CIVFD and Auxiliary. Ron and his wife Ann were long-time members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Port Clinton, where Ron served as usher, choir member, and on various boards and committees. Ron served as President of the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society for many years, where he oversaw the planning and completion of the new Boathouse and exhibits, as well as the Memorial Brick Project. Ron and fellow member Dick Frederick hand-installed each of the engraved donated paving bricks at the Marblehead Lighthouse pathway. Ron was a very skilled and avid woodworker and model boat builder, especially exact scale models of U.S. Coast Guard vessels. Ron had a love of the Great Lakes and nautical interests. He was an active member of the Maumee Valley Remote Control Model Boat Club, winning awards for his craftsmanship. Ron is preceded in death by his wife Ann, his father Harry (Pat) Kochensparger, his mother Virginia (Peters) Kochensparger, his stepmother Claire (Barnes) Kochensparger, and his siblings Arvella (Kochensparger) Purtee and Jeffrey Lynn Kochensparger. He is survived by his son Michael Alan Kochensparger (Jamie) of Graytown, Ohio; son Mark Glen Kochensparger of Port Clinton, Ohio; daughter LeAnn Marie Caldwell (Daniel) of Catawba Island, Ohio. Grandchildren Ryan Lee Caldwell (Lisa) of Port Clinton, Ohio; Macy Aryn Caldwell of Evans, Georgia; Kaylee Ann Kochensparger of Port Clinton, Ohio. Great-grandchildren: Kaden Jacob Caldwell (Ryan & Lisa), and Rylan Mitchell Lee Zibert (Kaylee); sisters, Carol (Jim) Hofacker and Joyce Winke; sister in laws, Caroline (Rofkar) Forster and Linda (Forster) Snyder; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 135 Adams Street, Port Clinton, Ohio from 10 am until Funeral Services at Noon with Pastor Warren Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery with Fire Department and Full Military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, Catawba Island Fire Department, Stein Hospice, Trinity United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. The Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home in Port Clinton assisted the family with arrangements.