Ronald J. Makatura Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ronald J. Makatura, age 53, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 13, 2022, in his home after a long, painful illness. He wanted to leave I.U. Medical Center after weeks of care but wanted to be home and was prepared to go to his “final home”. Ronald was born on August 20, 1968, to Ronald J. Makatura, Sr. and Marvalynn Makatura in Gary, Indiana. He graduated from Portage High School. Ronald is survived by his wife, Marie; children: Jacqueline Marie, Andrew Joseph, Brianna Lynn; mother, Marvalynn Makatura-Sheets (nee Harpp), stepfather, Dennis E. Sheets, his loving brother and best friend, Tommy and his wife, Lori, niece- Olivia, and nephew- Joseph. Ronald’s grandparents the Harpp’s (deceased) were very special to him as was his Aunt Geri and Uncle Bill whom are deceased. He is leaving aunts, uncles and numerous cousins, especially Lori and Tom Liesenfelt who helped me through this rough time. A special thanks to them and my dearest sister-in-law, Rose Marie Sheets, the Makatura, Jensen, Sheets, Shusters and Sanoys families. Ronald had a horse and was an avid horse rider. He got his first job as an employee at his Dad and Mom’s place of employment, Wise Way Foods at 16 years old. He then worked at Opportunity Enterprises with his younger brother Tommy working with the disabled. Ronald and all of his family loved music our whole lives. He taught himself with the help of a friend how to play the guitar and drums. He was a diehard Beatles fan and went to Paul McCartney and Ringo Star concerts. He was a true music lover and raised his children to appreciate music too. Ronald was a disc jockey (DJ) from the time he was 16 years old. He learned the job from close friends who were DJ’s and played any occasion from kids parties to the US Steel mills, Opportunity Enterprises for the clients, weddings and anytime anyone wanted music for an occasion. Up until his father’s passing in 2000, he was his assistant and worked together helping sort music and just wanted to be with his son. Ronald was a proud Teamster of Local Union No. 142. He worked for Kuraray Company for 20 years until his illness forced him to retire early. He trained to be a scuba diver in Lake County Diving School in Hobart IN. Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves, he believed in the Constitution and was a true American. Ronald was very active in the veterans association. He followed the news and was a great history reader. Ronald was a member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church in Portage, IN and believed in the power of the Lord. He joyfully told me he was ready to meet him. Ronald and Tommy’s father whom they loved and were dearly devoted to passed away in 2000. It was a loss that a child never recovers from as well as a spouse. Ronald has more friends than we could count. Never an enemy. A special thanks to all of our family who visited and supported us and came from out of town to the hospital and at home during his transition. If anyone has been missed, I apologize. Phone calls were appreciated and the prayers from everyone will never be forgotten for him or his family. Thank you to all the hospital care staff and hospice care staff. You were all amazing! Please continue to pray for us and his soul. Thank you from Ronald’s family. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Funeral will take place on Friday, May 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. directly at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN. Rev. Kevin McCarthy officiating. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com

Ronald J. Makatura

August 20, 1968 - May 13, 2022