Ronald Lee Estep

Ronald Lee Estep, 75, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on September 10, 2020.  He was born in South Bend, IN on January 13, 1945 to Charles Dewey and Ella May (Tuley) Estep.  He graduated in 1963 from New Carlisle High School, IN.

He worked many years at American Home Foods in Laporte IN and for over 30 years building and remodeling homes with his twin brother for ESTEP Construction in Laporte, IN.

He married his high school sweetheart, Claudia Dee Stoneburner in 1966.  

Ron had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He loved to fish and spend time in nature.  He loved animals, especially his pups and kitties. He was a master craftsman and built many beautiful pieces of furniture and participated in many Arts and Crafts Festivals with Claudia.  His pieces were sent worldwide.

He will always be remembered as a kind and gentle man who was loved by all he came in contact with.  He was a loving and devoted husband and father.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, and brothers and sisters-in-law: Mary Jane (Fred) Currey, Priscilla (Rich) Alexander, Carolyn (Gary) Wright, Kenneth Hall, and Charlene (Felipe) Stoneburner Postigo.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Claudia; and children, Rashelle Shelley (Charles) Spriggs of San Antonio, TX, Shawn (Jennifer) Estep of Three Oaks, MI, Shane Estep of Wichita, KS;  twin brother, Donald (Frances) Estep of Laporte, IN; sisters, Janet Hall of Michigan City and Nancy (Elmer) Vogelsang of Newland, NC;  brother-in-law, Donald (Susan) Stoneburner of New Buffalo, MI;  grandchildren, Heather (Travis) Blanton of Frisco, TX, Nathan Spriggs of Corpus Christi, TX,  Ashley (Brandon) Estep-Cheung serving in the US Navy,  Sasebo Japan, Emily Estep of Hawaii, and Abigail Estep of Wichita, KS; along with many loving nieces and nephews.  

There will be a Memorial Service at Cummings Lodge on Stone Lake on Sunday, May 2nd, at 1:30 pm Central Time with visitation starting at 12:30 pm. The address for the lodge is, 350 Grangemouth Road La Porte, IN 46350. I’m planning on having the service outside overlooking the lake if the weather permits. After the service there will be sandwiches etc.. and time for fellowship and celebration of his life.  The food maybe fairly simple as I don’t know what the COVID restrictions will be by then.  When Ron passed last September, I really thought we’d be through with this by May.  I have also rented the pavilion next to the lodge for more outdoor seating so that everyone feels comfortable. I hope you all can come but certainly understand travel and wellness issues.  I am asking that if anyone had a memory of Ron and something he did or said (funny or whatever) I’d love for you to share it that day.  If you can’t attend, but have something, please send it to me on Messenger or email and we will read it at the service.  Also, if you would let me know if you might be able attend it would help me plan more on seating and food.

Arrangements have been entrusted to, Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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