Ronald Pohlmeyer

Ronald Joseph Pohlmeyer "Papa Ron" 70, passed away April 13, 2009 surrounded by his family. He was born in Fort Madison, Iowa May 16, 1938 to parents Raymond & Bernice Pohlmeyer. He attended St. Mary's school and St. Ambrose College. He had a job with the Santa Fe Railroad and moved to Chicago and started his family. In 1973, as a single father, he moved with his four young children out west and relocated to Glendale, Arizona. He retired from Santa Fe in 1989. That's when his true passion began, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren, also sharing with them his love and knowledge of sports, history, music, politics and Notre Dame. His grandchildren were his greatest pride, and he was their greatest hero, as he spent countless hours attending little league baseball games, high school basketball games, and dance recitals, just to name a few. Ron's great sense of humor never waivered, even in his toughest times. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Neil and Stephen, son Ronald "Scott", grandson Dylan Heltzel and his beloved Mary Alice. He is survived by his children, daughters Susan Spice and Sharon Mark Heltzel; son Raymond Kerry Pohlmeyer; grandchildren Mark, Derek, Zach and Breck Heltzel, Candace and Melissa Spice, and Hannah Pohlmeyer. His sister Carol Ken Zumdome and his nieces and nephews also survive. We will love and miss you forever, Papa. Visitation will be 5-7 P.M. Weds. at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center 12420 N. l03rd Ave. Mass of Christian burial will be 8:30 A.M. Thursday at St. Helens Catholic Church 5510 W. Cholla St. with burial to follow at Resthaven Park Cemetery in Glendale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Valley in his name.