Ronald Joseph Hatke, 72, of rural Waynetown passed away at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at Franciscan Hospice House, Indianapolis, following a courageous battle with glioblastoma since February.
Ron was born Jan. 15, 1952, at Lafayette, son of the late Stan Hatke and Rosemary Snider Hatke who survives. He married Terresa Dockins on Nov. 6, 1976, in St. Bernards Catholic Church, Crawfordsville. She survives.
Ron was a 1970 graduate of Linden High School, a 10-year 4-Her and attended Danville Area Community College, graduating in 1972. Ron began his career as a John Deere mechanic at the age of 16 working weekends and summers for Montgomery Tractor and Implement in Crawfordsville. Charlie Homsher, owner of Montgomery Tractor, paid Ron’s tuition to attend DACC where he studied agri mechanics. After Montgomery Tractor and Implement closed, he was employed by Reynolds Farm Equipment in Lafayette, then Wright Farm Equipment now AHW from where he retired. Following retirement he enjoyed helping local farmers with mechanic work.
Ron was a walking encyclopedia of all things John Deere … his career covered two cylinder tractors through todays modern marvels. He seemed to have a “sixth sense” in diagnosing problems in farm machinery and along with his easy-going manner, earned him the respect and regard of the famers he “kept moving” in the field.
Ron was a life member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Waynetown Merchants Association. As a community servant he was proud of his legacy with Waynetown Fire and Rescue serving 1980-2008 and as fire chief 1984-1994.
Surviving are wife Terresa of rural Waynetown; mother Rosemary Hatke of Crawfordsville; daughters, Cara M. (Jeremy) Powell of Crawfordsville and Jill M. (Drew) Jenkins of New Palestine; son Joseph B. (Lisa) Hatke of New Palestine; grandchildren, Sophia and Hunter Powell, Nora and Delcie Hatke, Dexter and Olivia Jenkins; sisters, Sharon Harlan, Diana Simpson, Madonna Bailey, Barb Carrell and Roseann Ryle; and brother Mike Hatke and sister-in-law Rita Hatke.
He was preceded in death by father Stan; sister Carla Truax; and brother Steve Hatke.
Visitation will be 3:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Crawfordsville. A mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12, with Father Michael Bower officiating. Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting Ron’s family.
Memorials in memory of Ron are preferred to Ron Hatke Agribusiness Scholarship Fund at Montgomery County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 334 Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or online www.mccf-in.org.
Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
