Ronald James Vodicka bid farewell to this world on April 6, 2024. He was born in Chicago, IL on July 12, 1933, to John and Helen Vodicka. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1952 and joined the Air Force as an officer and became a pilot. In 1962 Ron attended the University of Illinois receiving a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering and joined the Air Forces's Thor-Agena orbital launch vehicle program. Ron worked on several satellite systems including GAMBIT and CORONA while stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base. In 1970, Ron graduated with a master's degree in business administration, from the University of Southern California and in 1971 moved to Virginia for assignments at Andrews AFB and the Pentagon. Ron retired from the Air Force in July of 1977 and accepted a position at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI working as a software designer. He worked on transmissions and received a joint patent for Adaptive Electronic Transmissions and retired in 1995.

Ron married Rael Cargill in February of 1958 and had three children and four grandchildren, Marie (Rob) Renner of Colorado Springs, CO; Susan Vodicka of Faribault, MN; and Ronald (Allyn) Vodicka Jr. of Seattle, WA. Rael passed away December of 1979. In 1980 Ron met Barbara Jarvis and in August of 1982 they were married extending his family to include stepchildren, Jayne (Don) Corwin of Beverly, MI; Margaret (Wayne) Nielsen of Sterling, VA; Kathleen (Tim) Rubert of Vicksburg, MI; Amy Brennick and the late Richard Brennick of Stanwood, MI along with 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Ron was a contributing original member of the Washington Area Girls Soccer league in the DC area doing scheduling, setting up fields and coaching. He coached his kids' teams in soccer, baseball and basketball and was a sports enthusiast supporting Detroit teams as well as the Bears. Ron found great pleasure teaching his children probabilities through the racetrack and he enjoyed organizing spreadsheets for special sporting events generating friendly family competitions. He was an avid golfer enjoying the competition and camaraderie on the greens. Ron instilled lifelong skills of teamwork and active participation in his children and grandchildren.

A member of Trinity in the Woods, Farmington Hills, Ron's faith was an important part of his life. He served as the head usher and offered assistance including snow removal, organizing the pancake supper and supporting other special events. He was renowned for his dependability and reliability. Ron resided at Waltonwood 12 Oaks where he cared daily for Barb (Alzheimer's) and created strong relationships with many of the residents and staff.
Ronald James Vodicka's selflessness and kindness touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his legacy of love, service and commitment to family will continue to inspire.

A Committal Service with the presentation of Military Honors will be held at Great Lakes National Cemetery 4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442 on Friday, July 12, 2024, beginning at 10:30 AM. If attending the service at Great Lakes National Cemetery, please wear patriotic colors or your favorite golf shirt. Please arrive at the cemetery no more than 15 minutes early, and look for the name "Vodicka" on the digital sign to tell you which lane to line up in. We will travel as a group to the shelter for the committal service and presentation of military honors promptly at 10:30 AM.


In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Foundation or your local VFW .