Ronald E. North

Ronald E. North, age 81, of La Fontaine, joined his Lord, family, and friends in Heaven at 8:25 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2017 at his home. Ron was loved by many. He had a true zest for life and believed in family above all. He had a heart of gold and wouldn't hesitate to give a helping hand. He could be a little cranky, but he could also come back with a joke or funny saying and light up the room. He was well known as "Rapid Ron" during his racing days. He held track records at Baer Field Raceway for many years. Ron is surrounded by a lot of love but not as much as he gave to all of us. There is a big hole in our hearts as we will miss him dearly, but...we will fill that hole with the many awesome memories. A gathering of family and friends will be from 3 - 7 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017 at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana. A memorial service will immediately follow at 7 p.m. Friday at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Worlie Newsome Jr. officiating. Preferred memorials are to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, Indiana, 46750. Ron was born October 7, 1935 in Huntington, the son of Roy E. and Lucille (Creager) North. He married Inge H. Gaertig on November 28, 1986 in Florida. Ron worked in Tool and Die at General Motors in Marion and was a member of American Legion Post #7 in Huntington. He enjoyed auto racing and car collecting. He loved to bowl and was an avid fan of Huntington’s EJ Tackett. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Inge H. North of La Fontaine; three daughters - Rhonda (Jerry) Martin of Huntington, Donna (Andy) Purviance of Carlsbad, California, and Heidi (Bert) Galvan of Huntington; four sons - Kenneth (Marianne) North of Punta Gorda, Florida, Karl (Theresa) Harte of Winston, Georgia, Klaus (Chris) Harte of Marion, and Kurt (Lynn) Harte of Kingston Springs, Tennessee; three brothers - Thomas (Peg) North of Roanoke, Donald (Jolene) North of Gwinn, Michigan, and James A. North of Huntington; two sisters - Judy D. North of Fort Wayne and Vonnie Hoover of Huntington; 16 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Larry R. North, John W. North, and Gary L. North, and his first wife, LaVada L. (Stremming) North.

Ronald E. North

October 7, 1935 - July 9, 2017