Memorial trees planted for:

Ronald James Schwab

Ronald James Schwab, 74, of Standish MI passed away peacefully March 8th with his wife and family by his side. Ron was born on July 11th, 1950, to Hugo and Marie (Gobrogge) Schwab in Standish. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm before leaving to attend college at Valparaiso and then Michigan State University, graduating from their College of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. He soon returned to Standish with his wife Jenny where he would spend the majority of his life until recently moving to Au Gres. “Doc” Schwab was probably most well known in Standish and the surrounding area as the local veterinarian for over 40 years. He built his business by initially providing mainly farm calls and working out of the basement of his home before growing it into the bustling practice it is now, still serving large and small animal clients alike. He was able to work side-by-side with his son Jon (along with many others) for the last 15 years of his career before retiring in 2017. He literally took care of every creature great and small while selflessly helping as many people and animals as he could. In addition to serving his local community in a professional capacity, he served on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association for 12 years. Although Ron was most recognized for being the town vet, he played many other roles in his local community throughout his adult life. He was very proud of his time spent on the Standish-Sterling school board, serving as the President of the board during the building of the new high school and providing significant input on its planning and construction. He was actively involved in the Standish Historic Depot from the beginning of the plans to restore the building as it now stands. Though his wife was the primary musician of the family, he enjoyed singing with the Arenac Choraleers. He loved trees and planted them everywhere he could think of, including personally planting many that are now growing around the high school. This passion earned him an honorable award from the Arenac County Conservation District in 2017, and has inspired his children to continue his mission. In his retirement, he served as an elected member of the Arenac County Road Commission for 6 years. Doc also enjoyed collecting sap from local maple trees to make maple syrup annually, often handing it out as gifts throughout the year. He raised hundreds (if not thousands) of animals at his home including a group of famously large turkeys that he supplied to family and friends for Thanksgiving dinners. He loved to travel with his family; he and Jenny were able to take numerous trips with the MSU Alumni Band exploring many different areas of the world. Ron is survived by his wife of 53 years - Jenny, and his children Jeff, Jon (Clara) Schwab, and Abby (Dan) Zarimba, as well as his brother, Marvin Schwab. He has 4 grandchildren - Andrew, Alex, Hailey and Carter, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Hugo and Marie Schwab, as well as his brother Michael (Julie) Schwab. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff in the CCU department at the Standish Hospital, Compassus Hospice Care, and Tawas Village for their professional support and compassionate care in Ron’s final days. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 2:00pm at Divine Shepherd Christian Community Church, 4335 M-61, Standish, MI 48658 with Yvette Chisholm presiding, with burial to follow at Woodmere Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home-Standish Chapel, 127 N Forest St. Standish, MI 48658, from 12:00pm - 08:00pm. Family will also be greeting friends and family on Tuesday, at Divine Shepherd Christian Community Church from 10:30am until time of service.

July 11, 1950 - March 8, 2025

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Ronald James Schwab

32 Trees have been planted in memory of Ronald Schwab.

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Memorial Trees

Anonymous

March 20, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Ronald James Schwab has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

March 11, 2025

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Ronald James Schwab has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Steve and Becky Cook

March 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Ronald James Schwab has been arranged by Steve and Becky Cook. Plant a tree

Sending our condolences to the family, He will be greatly missed by all. May you all cherish the memories of him forever.

Ed & Julie Kinsley

March 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Ronald James Schwab has been arranged by Ed & Julie Kinsley. Plant a tree

Planting this Tree for Ronald Schwab, for all he has touched, his Family, Friends,& community,. He Will be Missed. Thanks.

Bob & Marianne Flick/ Becky & Steve Cook/ Bill Flick

March 10, 2025

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Ronald James Schwab has been arranged by Bob & Marianne Flick/ Becky & Steve Cook/ Bill Flick. Plant a tree

Condolences and prayers for the family. He was a man filled with compassion and love, for animals and mankind.