Obituary: Ronald M. Punches

Ronald Punches 2/16/47 — 2/23/25

Ronald M. Punches, age 78, of Jerome, Mich., passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 23, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Ron was born to Robert and Mae (Uhr) Punches of Manchester, Mich., on February 16, 1947. Ron married the love of his life, Evelyn (Budlong), on June 20, 1970. She survives. Ron was a loving father to Tony (Terri) Punches, Heather (Robb) Rice, and Jeffrey (Laura) Punches. Ron was a great sibling to his brother, Bill (Astrida) Punches, and his sister, Cindy Punches Kelley. He was an amazing grandpa/Papa to Drew, Kate, McKenna, Jace, Ryleigh, and Brenna. He was also blessed with great-grandbabies, Sawyer, Charlotte, Reese, and Penelope.

Ron was a talented athlete and lifelong lover of sports. He was a volunteer coach for many years and was a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Tigers. He loved music, decorating for Christmas, and spending time with his family. Ron will be missed beyond measure by all those who knew and loved him.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Rita’s Catholic Church where Ron and Evelyn were active parishioners. Ron’s family and friends will gather from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm, with Rosary at 6pm, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Eineder Funeral Homes —Manchester Chapel. His Memorial Mass will take place at 11am on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Clarklake, Mich. Fr. Bosco Padamattummal will serve as celebrant. Burial of Ashes will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Please leave a message of comfort for Ron’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.