Obituary: Ronald Chapel, 79, of Ludington, formerly of Hart

Ron Chapel

Obituary: Ronald Chapel, 79, of Ludington, formerly of Hart

Ronald “Ron” John Chapel, 79, of Ludington, formerly of Hart, passed away Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. He was born June 15, 1943, in Muskegon, the son of the late Harvey H. and Helen A. (Beluzar) Chapel. He was a graduate of Muskegon Catholic Central High School, class of 1960. He married his wife of 58 years, Leora “Lee” Hoppe, on July 23, 1960, in Muskegon. Together, they raised two children.

Ron and Lee formerly owned and operated the Gateway Motel, R and L Variety, both in Hart, as well as operated a Vita-Boy potato chip route in the 1960s. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, racing snowmobiles in the 1970s, bowling, an occasional trip to the casino and having a few beers with his friends and family.

Ron is survived by: his son, Daniel (Maria Pleiness) Chapel; daughter, Rhonda Merrifield; many grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Leora “Lee” Chapel in 2018; his parents, Harvey and Helen Chapel; his son-in-law, Paul Merrifield; and his brother, Alan Harvey Chapel.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart.

Memorial contributions in memory of Ron may be directed to the Oceana County Medical Care Facility, (Activities Dept.) 701 E. Main St., Hart, MI, 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel is in charge of arrangements.