Ronald J. Moser

Deacon Ronald J. Moser, 72, of South Bend, passed away Saturday morning, July 16, 2011, in Memorial Hospital.

Ron was born September 11, 1938 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a son of the late Edwin Jerome and Mary (Schiffli) Moser. He grew up in Fort Wayne, attending St. Peter’s Grade School and graduating from Central Catholic High School. He attended IPFW for two years.

On May 19, 1962, Ron married Carolyn A. Keller at St. Jude Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. The Moser’s lived in Fort Wayne until moving to South Bend in 1983.

Ron was employed for 24 years with International Harvester and nearly 20 years with AM General.

Ron was ordained a Deacon in the Fort Wayne / South Bend Diocese in 1983. He was assigned to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka in 1984. Ron was involved with many activities that surrounded his beloved Catholic faith. At St. Joseph Church he was active with their youth group for many years, taught RCIA and Baptismal preparation, sang in the choir, and was involved with Christ Renews His Parish. Ron and his daughter, Lori, started Teens Encounter Christ in the South Bend area. Ron and Carolyn were involved with Marriage Encounter. Ron was past president of Serra Club. He was a member of the US Marine Reserves. Ron enjoyed playing cards, bowling, fishing and watching college basketball. Ron especially loved spending time with his family.

Ron’s surviving family includes his wife of 49 years, Carolyn; three daughters, Michele (Jaime Grayson, Sr.) Moser of South Bend, Cynthia (Joseph) Collis of Fort Wayne and Lori (Russell Fuson) Moser of South Bend; two brothers, Larry (Elaine) Moser of Pretty Lake, Indiana and Billy Moser of Florida; a sister, Phyllis (James) Vodde of Florida; and eight grandchildren, Rachel Moser Grayson, Jaime Grayson, Jr., Taylor Grayson, Samuel Moser Collis, Emma Collis, Benjamin Collis, Grace Collis and Mary Collis.

Ron was preceded in death by a sister, Sally Moser.

Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Ronald J. Moser was celebrated Wednesday, July 20, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Bishop Kevin Rhoades and Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends spent time with Ron’s family Tuesday, July 19, from 3 - 7 pm Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary was prayed at 7 pm. Visitation was also Wednesday from 9 - 10 am in St. Joseph Church.

Contributions in Ron’s memory are suggested to the Diocese of Fort Wayne / South Bend Educational Assistance Fund for Seminarians. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.