Ronald Wayne Daniels was born to Alvin & Barbara (Stapp) Daniels December 31, 1949, in Great Bend, KS.

After high school in 1968 in Ontonagon, Ron enlisted in the Navy.

Ron's basic training was at Great Lakes, IL where he was educated as a hospital corpsman (8404) during the Viet Nam war. Ron put in 3 requests to serve in Viet Nam and to stand alongside his brothers in arms. His commanding officers refused those requests each time telling him, "Don't rush it."

Ron's first duty station was at Paris Island, South Carolina. His 8404 statuses placed him with the Marine Corp as well as the US Navy. He worked in the dispensary and hospital. Then served aboard the USS Steinaker.

In 1972, while home on leave, Ron married his wife, Denese Mattson.

Ron's next duty station was at the Affleck Center in Milwaukee, WI. Medical duties and MET testing sent him around Wisconsin doing physicals, medical duties, and training.

In 1973, Ron & Denese had their first son, Michael, who was born in Cudahy, WI.

Ron's next duty assignment was in Okinawa, Japan at the Camp Kuwae hospital where he spent one year without his family. Ron was then granted leave, returned to Ontonagon and Denese & Michael were able to join him when he returned to Japan.

In 1977 while still in Japan, Ron & Denese had a second son, Matthew.

In 1979, the family returned to the United States where Ron served at the Marine Corp Reserve Center in Lansing, MI. Ron's duties included training corpsmen & going on drills with his trainees.

In 1982, Ron got orders to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GITMO). Before going to Cuba, he had 30 days of training in Little Creek, VA. Ron's family accompanied him to Cuba. Along with other duties, Ron was stationed at the hospital in Cuba. He oversaw the dispensary on the Leeward side of the Bay. Ron's tour in Cuba came to an end in 1984.

In June of 1988 and after 20 years of service, Ron retired from the US Navy with a Ceremony Plaque and rank of E7 Chief Petty Officer.

Ron returned to civilian life and moved back to his hometown of Ontonagon, MI with his family. He gained employment with Smurfit-Stone Container until their closure. He then continued his education earning a degree in business administration.

Ron married a second time to Samala Pantti and adopted two children, Hali and Christopher.

Ron loved living at his family home in Ontonagon and was always willing to tackle any job. He prided himself in solving a problem whether it be on a vehicle or in the home. He was a quiet person and after his service in the Navy liked to stay close to home. Ron kept busy gardening, tackling any do-it-yourself project and spending as much time as he could caring for his granddaughters, Henley and Hadley. Ron loved family, past and present, and was always willing to help them when needed. He enjoyed conversations about "old times" with family and friends over a cup of coffee.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Barbara Daniels, and brother-in-law, Stanley Voldarski. Ron is survived by sisters Connie (James) Peterson, Diana (Stanley) Voldarski, and Linda (Gerald) Knickerbocker, His children Michael (Lisa) Daniels, Matthew (Teri) Daniels, Christopher (Ashley) Daniels and Hali Rauvala. He is also survived by his "pride & joy" grandchildren Jacob Daniels, Joshua Daniels, Jeremiah Klug, Henley Daniels, and Hadley Rauvala.

Ron will truly and sorrowfully be missed.

A graveside service will be held on June 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon, MI. Full military honors will be conducted by Ontonagon County Veterans Association.

The Cane Funeral Home of Ontonagon is assisting the family.