Ronald Doederlein

Ronald Doederlein, 87, of Osprey, Florida passed away on May 30, 2026, surrounded by family and dear friends after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He was the widower of Mary (Rapley) Doederlein and they shared 57 joyful years of marriage together.

Ron was born on October 23, 1934 to Reuben and Esther (Ackerman) Doederlein in Monroe, Michigan. He was the middle child between his two surviving sisters he held in high regard: his older sister, Mary Lou Schirmer (widow to Elmer), and his younger sister Judy Fischer (John). After graduating high school, he proudly joined the Marine Corps for two years. Then he enrolled in Western Michigan University and studied petroleum marketing. Most importantly, he met his dear wife Mary in class there and they wed in 1961. Ron went on to have a career he greatly enjoyed sales and marketing at Marathon Oil company for over 40 years. Let’s not forget he was also a loyal Detroit Tigers fan and could be found many an evening at a certain downtown Coney Island in Detroit with his sons!

Ron always spoke fondly of Mary as his greatest earthly treasure. His first love was his faith in God, and he served many years as an elder in various churches in the north and south. Most recently Ron and Mary happily served as part of the South Trail Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida for many of their golden retirement years, having too many cherished friends to mention here.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife Mary in 2018, and his youngest son David Doederlein in 2024. He is survived by his son Jim Doederlein (Vicki), Fami Doederlein (widow of David), grandchildren: Ulrika Doederlein, Isaac (Laura) Doederlein, Nate Doederlein, Keenan Doederlein,  Victoria Doederlein, Dr. Alec Doederlein, Lera Doederlein, and four great-grandchildren: Olive, Atlas, Capri, and Rocco, children of Isaac and Laura.

A memorial service will be held on July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the South Trail Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida. Ron’s earthly body has been laid to rest next to Mary in her hometown of Yale, Michigan.