Ron Tapani

Ron was born on Sept. 19, 1956, in Hancock to the late Allen and Elizabeth (Rothenberger) Tapani. He was raised in Klingville and graduated from Chassell Schools.

Ron began a career as a meat cutter and joined the Meat Cutters’ Union. He moved to Cloquet, Minnesota, to cut meat before returning to Chassell, where he would manage the Chassell Co-op. He then began a career with the State of Michigan as a storekeeper for the Baraga Prison until his retirement.

On July 10, 1977, Ron was united in marriage to the former Roberta Walitalo. The couple resided in Klingville, where they raised their family.

Ron was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell, the Chassell Township Fire Department and First Responders serving the community for 20 years. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball, hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his grandchildren.

Preceding Ron in death, besides his parents, are his brothers, John Tapani and Gary Tapani; his sisters, Susan (Glenn) and Michele Lane; and in-laws, Bob and Myra Walitalo.

Ron is survived by his wife, Roberta of Klingville; his children, Ryan (Erica) Tapani of Chassell and Ross Tapani of Chassell; grandchildren, Hunter Marie, Lilly June, Levi, and Alexis; sister, Ruthann (Ed) Lindgren of Casa Grande, Arizona; brother, Dave Tapani; in-laws, Bruce Walitalo of Arnheim, Dave Lane of L’Anse, Beverly Tapani of Chassell, Mary Tapani of Kingsford, and Dede Beveridge of Bootjack; and numerous nieces, nephews cousins, aunts and uncles.

A memorial service for Ron will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell with Rev. Soren Schmidt to officiate.

Friends may call on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

To view this obituary or to send condolences online to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.