Ronald Kahle Hook, age 87, of Knox, passed away at 11:23 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at UPMC Northwest at Seneca following a brief illness.
Born June 27, 1926, in Knox, he was a son of the late Henry and Edna Amsler Hook.
He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II. He served with the 87th Infantry Division, Golden Acorn Division, seeing action at the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged on October 4, 1944. He was the recipient of the Occupation Medal (Germany), Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.
Ron married the former Virginia Mae Switzer on April 17, 1948 in Knox. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past April.
He was employed at Oesterling Feed Store in Knox, the A & P in Clarion and retired from Knox Glass in 1986.
Ron was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan and truly enjoyed the Gaithers television show and listening to his gospel CD’s.
He was a member the American Legion Post #720 and the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Knox.
Ron always looked forward to serving at the Mother & Daughter Banquet at the church and his Sunday morning duty of assisting members with wheelchair access.
He took great pleasure in helping anyone in any way that he could and enjoyed just sitting on the porch, waiving to friends and neighbors as they drove by.
Ron was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Nothing pleased him more than spending time with his family.
In addition to his loving wife, Gin, Ron is survived by four daughters: Carol Chelton and her husband, Dan, of Dunkirk, New York; Deborah Miller and her husband, Jim; Betty Hook and Kristi Hook, all of Knox and Kristi’s fiancé, Chuck Amato; One son: Ronald Ray Hook, also of Knox.
Ron is also survived by five grandchildren: Erica Richerson and her husband, Troy; Jayme Baumcratz and Bradley, Matthew and Andrew Ditz; three great grandchildren: Caleb and Daniel Baumcratz and Shea Richerson; one sister-in-law, Bernice Hook, wife of LaMont and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: LaMont and John Hook; a sister, Sara Louise Dittman; brother-in-law, Edward Dittman and a sister-in-law, Vivian Hook.
There will be no calling hours.
A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1051 Twin Church Road, Knox, with Reverend Karen Parsh, pastor at St. Paul’s, officiating over the service.
Memorial contributions may be given in the name of Ronald Kahle Hook to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1051 Twin Church Road, Knox, PA 16232 or the Knox Area Volunteer Ambulance Company, P.O. Box 636, Knox, PA 16232.
Online condolences may be sent to Ron’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are under the direction of the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc. of Knox.