Ronald J. Vorrath

Ronald Jerome Vorrath, 87, of Buchanan, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at 7:20 p.m. At his bedside were his three children and three of his grandchildren.
Ron was born Nov. 23, 1933 in Baroda Township to Peter and Christina (Weber) Vorrath. He graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1952. He attended Chicago Technical College.
He married widow, Ruth Ann (Rhode) Arend, on Aug. 14, 1961. They raised three children – sons, Ronald and Randy, both of Buchanan; and daughter, Ricki, of Denver, Colo.
Ron was a lifelong custom home builder and owner of Ron Vorrath & Sons Builders, and has left a legacy of beautiful custom homes throughout Berrien County. His beautiful craftsmanship can also be seen throughout Trinity Lutheran Church in Berrien Springs, where he was a lifetime member.
Never one to be idle, Ron would often be found on his riding lawn mower or John Deere tractor, tending to the beautiful landscaping he had created around their home. He would often create projects to expand or beautify the property. He had a green thumb, often buying 50 cent marked down plants that looked dead to the rest of us, but would be brought back to life in his basement greenhouse.
He was a hands-on father, always ready to play softball in the yard or an hour-long water fight in the heat of the summer. He shared his master craftsmanship skills with all of his children, teaching and encouraging them to be hard workers, strong individuals, independent and skilled at their trades. His sons have carried on his custom home building legacy.
He was a doting grandfather in the early stages of his grandchildren’s lives. He was always ready to give rides on the Cushman, tractor or loader. Wonderful memories were made fishing with Grandpa in the pond at the bottom of the hill.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two brothers, Wallace and Arthur; two stepsisters, Marian (William) Stark and Margie (Al) Miller. He is survived by his older sister, Donna (Robert) Lausman; a younger half-sister, Sharon Malone; his three children; eight grandchildren: Dana (Troy) Lane, Hannah (Israel) Moyer-Suarez, Tyler Vorrath, Nathan (Tori) Moyer, Jillian Vorrath, Courtney Vorrath, Madeline Vorrath and Rebecca Moyer; and one great-grandchild, Lily Lane.
A private family ceremony will be held Saturday, Dec. 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Berrien Springs. Interment and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home. Visit their website, www.allredfuneralhome.com, to send condolences to the family. Memorial gifts may be made in Ron’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church, 9123 George Avenue, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.