Ronald J Spitler, September 28, 1942-June 17, 2022, passed away peacefully after a brave battle against ALS. Cherished and loved husband of 56 years to Gloria, dad to Jennifer (Kurt) Nuss and Stacey (Brent) Crowder, grandpa to Alex and Ben Nuss and grand puppies Zoe & Ripley. Ron leaves behind many dear friends, sisters Pat and Jane, brothers John and Darl, Aunt Cleona, numerous nieces and nephews and his special caregiver, Tina. He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Ralph and brother, Carl. Ron was a graduate of Bowling Green State University and most proudly, the University of Michigan, where he earned his Master of Science in Fisheries in 1966. He worked for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a Fisheries Biologist for 31 years until retiring in 1997 as their first-ever Urban Fisheries Specialist. Ron not only turned his childhood passion into a fulfilling career, he also created a name for himself as a successful tournament bass fisherman, published author in Carp in North America by the American Fisheries Society; contributing the chapter “Sports Fishing for Carp”, and educator. He was a founding member of Project F.I.S.H. (teaching kids how to fish), involved in 4-H chapters, and hosted many Kid’s Fishing derbies. Ron even coached a collegiate bass fishing team! His other love was Michigan Football. A long-time season ticket holder, Saturdays were sacred. He proudly wore maize and blue and enjoyed “friendly” rivalries with friends and family. Ron’s greatest accomplishment was his family. His love of sports and outdoors was passed onto his daughters and he enjoyed coaching them in softball. He never missed watching them play in whatever sport they were involved in and when his grandsons started to play baseball and football, he rarely missed a game. However, the biggest catch of his life was his wife, Gloria, whom he met at the student union at BGSU and married in 1966. They enjoyed raising their daughters, living on a lake, and traveling the world. He found a perfect partner, someone who could put up with all of his corny jokes and all of the fishing. They were fortunate to enjoy 24 years of retired life together. Ron was the life of the party with his humor, generous spirit and ready smile and he will be missed by all who knew him. A private gathering celebrating his awesomeness will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s name to either Project F.I.S.H. online at https://givingto.msu.edu/gift/?SMID=A111135 (you can change the amount that appears on the link; here is a description of the program http://www.projectfish.org/) or mailed to University Development, Michigan State University, 300 Spartan Way, E. Lansing, MI 48824-1005 with a note to identify your donation is for Project F.I.S.H. in memory of Ronald J Spitler or to St. Croix Hospice’s “Hospice Support Foundation” at the following address: Hospice Support Foundation, Attn: Mary Mimay, 7755 3rd St. North, Ste 200, Oakdale MN 55128. Please identify your donation is in memory of Ronald J Spitler. Ron, Bass Wishes forever and Go Blue!! We love you!