Ronald Harold ‘Ron’ Specker

Born June 20, 1935, in Marquette, a son of Harold and Barbara (White) Specker, Ron attended Graveraet High School. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1954, serving during the Korean Conflict. During his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Navy Occupation Service Medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1957, Ron returned to Marquette and began raising a family. He was employed for many years as an electrician at UP Electric.

Ron was a very family oriented man who gladly gave out hugs to his children and grandchildren. He had a sincere concern for the well being of those around him and demonstrated his concern by expressing his love and interest in everyone’s safety. An avid outdoorsman, Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years, and was an avid four-wheeler up to the end, crisscrossing the numerous trails of Marquette County with wife, Katie, and best friend, Gary Fugate.

The adventure of being out in nature, riding his side by side, brought him great pleasure, as did a good Sunday afternoon Green Bay Packer game.

On any given Friday or Saturday evening, you could find Ron and Katie enjoying a meal at the Big Boy and maybe rounding out the evening with a game of cards at his sister, Gail’s, house. Two words were repeatedly used while gathering information for Ron’s obituary, he was “kind” and “humble”. What a testament to the character of the man, who was also a wicked, self-taught harmonica player!

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Kathryn “Katie”ù (nee, Carter) Specker; his children, Ricky A. Specker, Vicky L. Regan, Ronald J. Specker, and Joe H. Specker; step-children, Ronald Rivord, Sue (Larry) Fosco, Dale Rivord, Jay Rivord, and James Rivord; grandchildren, Kristopher (Jodi) Brugman, Kelly Fosco, Leanne Regan, Kelly Regan, Heather Regan, Ryan Regan, Andrea Smith, Aerica Parris, Ronald Specker, Brittany Specker, Ronnie James Specker, and Rakthai Specker; and his great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored and added to the quality of his life. He is further survived by his sisters, Gail McClelland and Liz (Mike) Fletcher; brothers, Jack (Jonelle) Specker and Terry (Connie) Specker; many nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; a great-granddaughter, Sienna Regan; a sister, Sandra Whitcomb; and a brother, Robert Specker.

Special appreciation to granddaughter, Leanne, for the personal attention and care she provided her grandfather.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Saturday, May 26, beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Leon Jarvis will preside and veteran’s honors will be accorded by members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380. A reception will follow in the reception room located at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com