Ronald Fernelius

Ronald George Fernelius, friend, brother, father, and grandfather went to be with his Lord on Friday, February 21, 2020, at 91 years. The son of the late George and Alma (Kreutzer) Fernelius, Ron, was born May 12, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan. He married Margaret “Jackie” (Belding) Fernelius on May 15, 1948, his loving wife of 62 years. Jackie passed in 2010.

Ron was a veteran of World War II, where he was a sailor in the Merchant Marine and then the U.S. Navy in the Asiatic-Pacific. After being Honorably Discharged from the United States Military, Ron served as a Police officer for thirty-seven years. In 1949 he began as a Patrolman for the City of Lincoln Park, MI, and then the City of Detroit, MI, before being hired in 1963 to serve the City of Flint, MI, where he retired as a Detective Lieutenant in 1986. Notably, Ron contributed his expertise as an expert marksman and fingerprint specialist. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1975 and was a founding member of the Flint Area Narcotics Group (FANG). Ron was known as “The Bear” before Smokey & The Bandit.” He was a true Public Servant.

Ron was a member of Linden Free Methodist Church in Linden, Michigan. He enjoyed attending Church, where he happily served as an usher and teacher for many years. Ron enjoyed many hobbies over the years, such as golfing, chess, and playing cards.

Preceding Ron are his Parents, his wife Jackie, his granddaughter Kimberly and great-grandson Ender. Ron leaves behind his two sisters, Lenore and husband, Gus Gessert, Elaine Smith. His eight children Ronald C. Fernelius and wife, Debra (Francisco) of Elk Rapids, Kathleen and husband, Tim Clothier of Sand Lake, David and wife, Cathy (Hendrix) of Grand Blanc, Dan and wife, Karen (Taubitz) of Fenton, Paul and wife, Sharon (Abee) of Charlotte, NC, Linda and husband, Tom Mulanix of Linden, Mark and wife, Karen (Anibal) of Fenton Township and Nancy Thornhill of Swartz Creek. Ron also leaves to cherish his memory, 23 grandchildren and their 13 spouses, 29 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit at Sharp Funeral Home, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden, MI Tuesday, February 25, 2020, where the family is present from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at Linden Free Methodist Church in Linden on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 11:00 to Noon. While flowers are welcome, the family also asks that Donations to Ron’s favorite cause, made out to “My Brother’s Keeper” care of the “Linden Free Methodist Church.”

Funeral service begins at Noon, Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at Linden Free Methodist Church, 13274 S. Linden Road, Linden, MI; Pastor John Price is officiating. Burial in Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI.