Ronald Lee Mestach

Ronald Lee Mestach, age 85, passed away at Elkhart General Hospital and made his first steps with Jesus on Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 4:11 am.Ron was born to Edgar and Pauline (Benn) Mestach in Mishawaka on October 29th, 1940. They both precede him in death. Ron graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1959 and later attended Indiana University South Bend. Ron served our country as a member of the National Guard.

Ron became part of the Big Brother, Big Sister program in 1978 where he met his lifelong little brother, Steve Stephens. On September 19th, 1992 Ron married Betty Traver and became step-father to her three children; Barry (Terri) Coultas of Charlotte, North Carolina, Dana (Todd) Lentz of Walkerton, Indiana, and Lisa (James) Nixon of Clermont, Florida. Betty precedes him in death.

Ron had a professional career in cargo trailer sales with Pace America and Renegade. In his retirement years, Ron spent his time between Hudson, Florida and Elkhart, Indiana. Ron was a big sports enthusiast, and found great joy supporting his nieces, nephews, and grandkids chasing their dreams. Anyone who knew Ron, knew that they could find him watching his favorite teams, or in the stands as the #1 fan. Ron enjoyed watching his nephews run track and play football. He became an avid softball fan after years of watching his granddaughter, Haley, pitch through her high school and college years. When Ron wasn't at a ball field you would find him with his sleeves rolled up as part of the pit crew at his grandson, Brandon's, motocross races. His love for sports is unparalleled with I.U. at its center. His family finds peace in knowing that he was able to witness IU Football reach the pinnacle. Beyond sports, Ron found immense joy in music and loved to support his nieces, nephews, and grandkids endeavors.

Survivors include a brother, Timothy (Brenda) Mestach of New Paris, Indiana. He has four nephews and two nieces; Lance (Jane) Mestach of Wakarusa, Indiana, Branden (Nikky) Mestach of Allenwood, Pennsylvania, Brent (Holly) Mestach of Milton, Pennsylvania, Bradley (Amy) Mestach of Elkhart, Indiana, Alicia (Anthony) Blosser of Goshen, Indiana, and Lynnisa (Kenny) Jones of New Paris, Indiana. Along with his children, he also has many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Per Ron’s wishes, a private cremation will take place and he will be laid to rest next to his wife, Betty. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Ron’s family. Online condolences may be made to his family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com