Ronald A. Jess was born August 5, 1941, to parents Ervin and Lucille (Schultz) Jess (both deceased) and died at the HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, Hudson, Florida, at the age of 84 ½ years on March 10, 2026.  He is survived by his wife Helen M. Jess of 63 years marriage, brother Don and wife Marcia Jess, Port Clinton, Ohio; sister SueAnn and husband Ray Ripa, Lancaster, New York; brother-in-law Bill and sister-in-law Nancy Franck, Elgin, South Carolina; daughter Nannette and husband Scott Hunter, Oak Harbor, Ohio; son Gregory and wife Jody Jess, Fremont, Ohio; grandson Ryan and wife Courtney Monak, Fountain Inn, South Carolina; grandson Cody and wife Jess Monak, Powell, Ohio; grandson Austin Jess, Castalia, Ohio; granddaughter Cydne’ Jess, Fremont, Ohio; granddaughter Alyssa and husband Jesus Canales, Leonard, Texas; grandson Forrest Hunter, Crowley, Texas; great-grandchildren Jackson and Jameson Monak, Powell, Ohio; Elijah and Dalton Jess, Castalia, Ohio; and Katie, Charlie, and Maggie Canales, Leonard, Texas; nephew Zachary Jess and Matt Starett, Columbus, Ohio; niece RaeAnn and husband Jamie Walsh and family, Canton, Massachusetts’; nephew Tony and wife Casey Ripa, and family Williamsville, New York; nephew Steve and wife Sandra Burmeister and family, Lewisville, Texas; niece Judith and husband Michael Ehrlich, and family, Monument, Colorado; nephew Chris Burmeister, and family, Monument, Colorado; nephew Todd Franck, Charleston, South Carolina; nephew Mark and wife Amy Franck, Longmont, Colorado; and many loving cousins and close friends.  Also close to Ronald’s heart were family pets Rousey and Guinness.

Ronald provided for his family by working at the Ford Motor Company, Sandusky, Ohio, for over 35 years before he retired on November 1, 1999.  Throughout his working career he maintained being a constant inspiration as a volunteer fireman for the Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lacarne, Ohio, proudly serving his fellowman for over 53 ½ years of dedicated service.  Ronald retired as Assistant Fire Chief at the Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department on August 3, 2021.

Ronald’s Lutheran faith was maintained by attending church services at Grace Lutheran Church, Rev. Clayton J. Bailey, Pastor, Fremont, Ohio, and Hope Lutheran Church, Rev. James T. Zang, Pastor, Hudson, Florida, faithfully.  Favorite of favorites pastime fun were many years of camping and the camaraderie that was shared around the campfire.

His life was dedicated to family, his many friends, and fellowman.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be addressed to Erie Township Volunteer Fire Department, 5585 W Harbor Road, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452, or the charity of your choice.

Services for Ronald will be held March 16, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Zang, 12321 Canton S Avenue, Hudson, Florida, 34669.  Viewing beginning at 10 a.m.; service will be at 11 a.m. Luncheon immediately following the service.

Funeral arrangements were made through Thomas B. Dobies funeral Home, Hudson Florida.  Ronald’s last fireman’s call will be in Ohio at his gravesite.