Ronald Zeller Jr., 69, of Milford, MI, passed away on July 25 following a three-month battle with small-cell carcinoma.

Ron was born September 3, 1956, in Muskegon, the son of the late Ronald and Catherine (Dzur) Zeller of Montague, where Ron Jr. grew up with his three younger brothers, Rick, Randy, and Rob.

After high school, Ron got busy having fun, living at the beach while working full time and taking business classes. A country boy at heart, the thought of leaving his hometown never crossed his mind. Then he attended his brother's wedding in Detroit. There was a city girl there named Cathy, who happened to be the sister of the bride. They fell in love, were married a year later, and Ron began his new life with Cathy in Redford Township.

Ron was welcomed into Cathy's big Italian family. He began helping his father-in-law run the family wine shop in Livonia and later co-managed the family's large gourmet grocery store in Grand Blanc. For over 40 years, he worked alongside many family members, putting in long hours and giving up weekends and holidays to help build two successful retail businesses and provide for his family.

Ron and Cathy were blessed through international adoption with two beautiful children, Justin (born Jung Nam Kim) and Jenna (born Moon Yun Mee), who came into their lives and hearts at three months and six months, respectively. From the minute he first held them, they became his chief source of joy and laughter.

And then there was golf. It was his passion, his therapy, and his religion. What started at Godwin Glen Golf Club in South Lyon ended up at Salem Hills in Northville, with a group of funny and talented golfers, playing a Sunday morning skin game for over 45 years, bound in loyalty to each other for life.

Ron was the devoted husband, the wise but laid-back dad, the cool uncle, the walking smile, and the friend to the end.

He is the loving husband of Cathy for 46 years; beloved father of Justin Zeller (Erin) and Jenna Baney (Patrik); cherished "Papa Ron" to Harper, Julian, and Maxon; awesome brother of Rick Zeller (Jamey), Randy Zeller (Terri), and Rob Zeller (John Manifold); and brother-in-law of Chris Capoccia (Sue), Marie Sords (Bob), and Marilyn Canan (Mike). He is a favorite uncle and cousin to many and a friend to almost everyone he had the pleasure of meeting.

The Zeller Family will receive guests Saturday, August 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at the funeral home, with a prayer and family remembrances at 3 p.m. Immediately following the service, all are invited to a celebration of Ron's life at Coach's Corner in Livonia for a bite to eat and a toast to this classy, delightful man.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Muscular Dystrophy research through parentprojectmd.org , in memory of Ron and to honor his great-nephew Will, who is currently benefiting from the latest advances, would be most appreciated.

We ask that if you know you will be attending the party at Coach's Corner, please message Cathy, Justin, or Jenna via text, or confirm using this link. Click here.