Ronald L. Hunter

Ronald L. Hunter, age 88, of Dyer, IN, went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 20, 2025.  Loving husband of the late Patricia “Pat” Lee Hunter, nee Gentry.  Loving father of Mark (Sharon) Hunter and Keith (Lori) Hunter. Cherished grandfather of Lauren (Danny) Blount, Ryan (Taylor) Hunter, triplets: Aaron, Brad and Chelsey Hunter; great-grandfather of Brettelynn, Maxson, Trenton Blount; Allison and Jackson Hunter. Dear brother of Dennis (Pamela) Hunter and the late Michael Hunter. Preceded in death by his parents Russell and Mildred Hunter.

Ron spent his formative years in Indiana Harbor, where he learned that life was challenging. His family later relocated to Hammond, where he met Patricia, his lifelong partner. They were neighborhood sweethearts and married after Patricia graduated from nursing school and Ron completed the final year of master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, West Lafayette. Following their graduation from Purdue, they moved to Calumet City to begin their careers and raise their sons, Mark and Keith.

Ron commenced his professional journey at Commonwealth Edison as a Construction Engineer, before transitioning to William A. Pope Company as a Project Engineer. Shortly thereafter, he joined Superior Engineering Corp in Hammond, initially as a Project Engineer, then advancing to Mechanical Engineering Department Head, and eventually serving as CEO, President, and Principal Investor until his retirement at age 77. In the years following his retirement, Ron served on the Board of Directors of Korellis Roofing Company, where he contributed to the development of an employee stock ownership plan and provided strategic guidance for the company's growth.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Ron played a pivotal role in launching biddy basketball in northwest Indiana. He coached Little League, Babe Ruth, and Legion Baseball in Munster. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran in Hammond, actively participating on various boards and serving as a teacher. Ron dedicated over 25 years to the Dyer Stormwater Board and many years to the Briar Ridge Property Owners Association Board, remaining passionately involved until his passing.

Ron was also an investor and developer of several small businesses throughout his career. He was highly engaged at Purdue Calumet (now Purdue Northwest), receiving numerous prestigious awards from the University for his contributions. Ron held advisory, commissioner, chancellor, or chairman roles on various boards in Hammond, Purdue, Dyer, and Lake County. He was active in Dyer republican politics.

A lifelong thinker, Ron had a keen interest in physics, thermodynamics, stormwater flow, Christian Apologetics, and the Bible. He consistently applied his engineering mindset, from maintaining his Jaguar XK-150, MGB, or MG midget during his early years to refining his golf game later in life. Ron and Patricia were devoted students of golf, enjoying the sport both as spectators and players. They traveled extensively across the country with Patricia's sister and close friends, experiencing many of the nation's finest golf courses. When not golfing, Ron enjoyed working in his yard, playing chess with his best friend or having lunch with his Brother. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family, watching his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and indulging the family dogs with table scraps.

Visitation Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 3:00 — 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN.  Funeral service Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church 7227 Hohman Ave. Hammond, IN.  Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church.  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com