Ronald James Unger

Obituary

In the early morning hours of Friday, January 25, 2019, Ron Unger, age 48, of Mitchell, Manitoba fell into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father. Although he has left all of us here too soon and with broken hearts, we are comforted that he is forever resting in the arms of Jesus.

The story of Ron’s life began on September 13, 1970 in Steinbach, Manitoba. Born to Ben and Erna (Toews) Unger, he was the fifth of seven children. Immediately upon graduating from high school, Ron joined his father in running the family farm. Since then, Ron was the visionary who brought the family farm of the past to what you know today to be Unger Meats and Feeds.

In 1989, while on a mission’s trip, Ron’s eyes fell on the one who would be his forever. His world was rocked the moment he met Kami; his person, soul mate and the love of his life. Although Kami was not yet ready for all that he would bring to her world, Ron came home and said, in his then shy and timid manner, “I know in my heart I’m going to marry that girl one day”. Three years later, in 1992, when God knew they were both ready, He set the plan in motion for Kami’s “permanent residency” here in Canada. Ron said he would capitalize on this new “free trade” agreement and he was sure he got the very best of what the US had to offer. Ron & Kami married on November 27, 1993 in LaPorte, Minnesota. Kami was Ron’s biggest fan and she was his brightest star. Ron’s hand was always held tightly by his wife, right up until he breathed his very last earthly breath.

In 1997, Ron suffered from a very serious, and near fatal encounter with meningitis. By the grace of God, he recovered and we know today that God clearly had much bigger plans for his life. We’ve always said this was God’s way of “rebooting” him. Ron became bolder in his faith and it was evident in the way he chose to live each day. He awoke with a new lease on life. It changed him into the person we all know and love today. He loved fiercely and unconditionally and lived each day to the fullest. Ron wore many hats but his most cherished would have been being a father. One of God’s greatest gifts to Ron was that of being a father. And he was an exemplary father. He was the centre of his children’s world. They had his undivided attention, his unwavering love, and benefited from his spontaneous and adventurous spirit. He brought joy, laughter, security, and wisdom to every aspect of their lives.

Ron loved God! This love flowed into every part of his life. He extended it freely and unconditionally to everyone he met. His faith was steadfast through the many peaks and valleys of life. His trust in the Lord guided every single decision he made, everything he said and everything he did. His foundation was in the Lord.

He lived and ran his business with integrity, loyalty, love, and a wonderfully kind spirit. He always had time for a cup of coffee with customers in the store. He treated everyone fairly and with respect. He always said there is no such thing as a problem. He believed everything was just a challenge, ready and waiting to be overcome.

Ron was predeceased by his grandparents as well as his nephew, Colton Plett.

He is survived by Kami, his wife, soul mate and life partner, and their beautiful children; son Ty and wife Erin, daughter Kallyn and husband Trent Mehling and son Aaron. He is also survived by his mother and father, Ben & Erna Unger; his siblings, four brothers and two sisters and their families: Clancy and wife Tammy, their children, Caden, Aralin (David) Warkentin (Mia, Roman & Jozie), Kara and Draycee; brother Ray and wife Bev, their children Melissa (Ryan) McCall, Jocelyn (Nathan) Hildebrand (Maverick) and Kori; brother Wayne Unger and wife Patti, their children Scott (Abi) Unger (Parker & Jaxon), Amy and Meagan, sister Linda and husband Dave Reimer, their children Ashley and Lily; sister Carolyn and husband Bryan Peters, their children Oliver and Gabriela; brother Dave and wife Melissa, their children Nicholas, Ethan and Summer. His parents-in-law, Brenda & Daryl Dutcher and Roger & Jan Link and his sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Kari & Rick Mogard, their children Josh & Ally.

His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” – Matthew 25:21

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at Southland Church, 190 PTH 52 West, Steinbach, Manitoba. Private interment will take place at Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, Manitoba.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Ron may be made to Southland Church (In memo line: Bird River Bible Camp) 190 PTH 52W, Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Y1.