Ronnie Watson

Ronnie M. Watson 75, entered eternal life on the morning of August 31, 2012 while surrounded by his family at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. Ronnie was born and raised in Kingsford, Michigan, son of the late Malcolm and Marie (Kassin) Watson. After High School he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1954 and was Honorably discharged after serving his country for 27 years in April 1982. He earned the rank of CWO4 upon retiring. He was a very proud member of the Coast Guard. Ronnie had many duty stations, some of which included lighthouse keeper on Stannard Rock and Huron Island. One year of isolated duty in the Mariana Islands. He also served aboard the Cutter Mackinaw, the Coast Guard Cutter Duane, the Coast Guard Cutter Cartigan and the Buoy Tender, Red Birch in San Francisco, and then with Group San Francisco. He also worked in Marine Safety Offices in Cleveland and Sturgeon Bay. Ronnie was well liked and respected everywhere he went. After spending an additional 12 years as a marine inspector with the American Bureau of Shipping in Sturgeon Bay, WI, he returned to his beloved UP to live out his life doing what he loved best – hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors at camp with his family. Cherished husband for 50 years to Katherine (nee Gherondas), Father of Paula (Hank) Watson of Green Bay, WI, and Nick (Laura) Watson Sussex, WI, Grandfather to Spencer VanderBloemen and Samuel, Gwendolyn, and Margaret Watson, brother to Kathleen Hamilton. Further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. Preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Lana. "Here rests the sailor home from the sea and the hunter home from the hill" The visitation will be held on Saturday, September 15 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Eastside Veterans Council will conduct a Pass In Review and Full Military Honors at 10:15 am at the funeral home. The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am at the Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Crystal Falls. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society and the Iron County 4-H Shooters Club. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.