Ronald L. Braet

Ron Braet beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away on July 8, 2025, in Beavercreek, Ohio. He was born on April 2, 1941, in Davenport, Iowa. A proud and loving family man, Ron is remembered by his wife of 64 years, Jolene, his children, Dawn Braet, Deneen Brown and Ryan Braet, his wife Nicole and their children Carter, Sophie, Emerson and Cooper Braet. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Thelma Braet and brother, Gary Braet.

Ron grew up on a farm in the small town of Calamus, Iowa. Ron and Jolene met as toddlers when their Moms played in the same bridge group and they were in tow. They graduated high school together in 1959. Ron studied engineering at The University of Iowa. He and Jolene were married his junior year of college. Ron remained a devoted Hawkeye fan through the years.

After Ron’s graduation, he accepted a job in the aerospace industry in Southern California. He and Jolene - along with their 1 yr old daughter Dawn and new baby daughter Deneen - headed West for the new job and a new adventure. Once there, they welcomed son, Ryan. During those 15 years , Ron and his family enjoyed the California outdoor lifestyle of camping, bicycling, tennis, waterskiing, snow skiing, trips to the beach - and anything else they could try!

In 1974, Ron moved his family to Beavercreek, Ohio for work at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and to allow his children to experience the four seasons that he and Jolene loved while growing up in Iowa. The family was pleasantly surprised when they arrived and saw their new home that Dad had purchased. (No more sharing bedrooms!)

Ron became a proud grandpa in 1995 with the arrival of Ryan and Nicole’s first baby. Grandchildren Carter, Sophie, Emerson and Cooper added much joy to his life. Lots of fun together times were had over the years - both in Columbus and weekend sleepovers/day-trips in Beavercreek (Grandpa’s favorite)!

Traveling with family was always a fun time - from snow skiing in Colorado to spring breaks in Florida. As empty nesters, Ron and Jolene continued travels that included Ron’s bucket list trips to China and Alaska. He loved wintering in the Southwest where he enjoyed a favorite pastime - playing golf. Their trips also allowed for frequent visits to their daughters in San Diego and Kansas City.

Ron had a passion for wood working. Over the years, the entire family benefited from his projects including a 2-story playhouse with a trap door - because according to Dad - “Every playhouse has to have a trap door!”

He enjoyed tennis, bridge and card games with family. He was known for his sweet tooth, his all-time favorite dessert was a lemon meringue pie - a recipe passed down from his mother, perfected by his daughter, Deneen.

Ron had many interests including - learning Spanish, acoustic guitar and watercolor painting. His most prized possession was his 1970 Orange Porsche 911. He was a naturally gifted photographer. Ron truly embraced the “pride of ownership” mantra with the meticulous care given to his lawns/landscaping - both in California and in Ohio - where he was the proud owner of a rider mower!

Ron was a lifelong provider, he always had just the right advice or words of wisdom on any topic for his children. Above all, Ron was most proud of the close-knit family that he and Jolene created together. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom and kindness and will forever live on in the hearts of his family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm-5:00pm, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, where the Memorial Service will begin at 5:00pm.

To view the LIVESTREAM of the Memorial Service, please click HERE

Donations may be made in Ron's memory to either Hospice of Dayton or the Alzheimer's Association (links provided below).

To share a memory of Ron or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.