Ronald J "Butch" Kleeves

Ronald Jay “Butch” Kleeves, 79, of Kenockee Township, died Monday, December 29, 2025.

He was born April 9, 1946 in Port Huron to the late Raymond and Margaret Kleeves. He married Nancy A. Conlan on July 26, 1968 in Port Huron.

Ronald dedicated many years working for Sears Collision Service and later Mel’s Auto Body Shop. He took pride in caring for his lawn, enjoyed running the roads with his best buddy, George Brown, watching the Detroit Red Wings, scratching off lottery tickets and taking trips to the casino with Nancy and their friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Most of all he cherished his time spent with his grandchildren. Ronald honorably served in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy; daughter, Dawn (Phil) Droptiny; son, Richard Kleeves; grandchildren, Tyler (Nick) Martin, Karleigh Martin (Collin Droste), Hailee Kleeves and Dakota Droptiny; sisters, Donna Smith, Mary (Tom) Bickford, Betty Murawski and Beverly Vernetti; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Gail Kleeves. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Floyd (Dorothy) Kleeves, Melvin Kleeves, Ray (Barb) Kleeves, Margo (Elroy) Schoemaker, Joan Cook, Lillian (Ivan) Withun, Doris (Ed) McIvor and Barb Auraman.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2025 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with military honors conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard beginning at 5:00 p.m.

A memorial event to celebrate his life will be held in the summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com