A Life Well-Sailed and Thoroughly Loved: Michael Joseph Ronsse

Michael Joseph Ronsse set sail on his final voyage on January 12, 2026—just one day shy of his 78th birthday and 35th wedding anniversary. He likely timed it that way just to get out of blowing out all those candles.

From the Midwest Farm to the High Seas

Born on January 13, 1948, in St. Mary, KS, Mike grew up with the kind of Kansas farm-boy work ethic that stayed with him his entire life. He was immensely proud of his Belgian roots, eventually making a “pilgrimage” to the town of Ronse, Belgium in 2016. He spent the trip marveling at the fact that they named an entire town after his family (or so he told the grandkids). Immediately after high school Mike traded the corn fields for the ocean blue, serving with distinction in the US Navy for 24 years. After hanging up the uniform, he wasn’t quite done protecting and serving, spending another 20 years in Law Enforcement. He was a man of discipline, but he always managed to keep a twinkle of mischief in his eye.

The Commander of a Growing Fleet

While his career was impressive, Mike’s greatest achievement was his family. He and his beloved wife, Nancy Ronsse, mastered the art of “yours, mine, and ours,” blending seven children into one giant, chaotic, and beautiful extended family. Mike was the undisputed patriarch—and favorite target—of a crew that includes 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren and their beloved dog Maggie. To them, he wasn’t a retired sailor; he was “Mikey Poo,” the “Old Geezer,” and the primary source of “Dad jokes” that were so bad you just had to laugh. Above all else, Mike was a dedicated husband. His devotion to Nancy was the steady anchor of the family, proving that true love only gets better with age and a little bit of teasing.

A Man of Many Hobbies (and Many Photos)

When he wasn’t being outsmarted by a toddler, Mike could be found in his workshop woodworking with a precision that only a Navy man could manage. He mostly stayed behind the lens documenting every single family gathering with enough photos to fill a library. He spent many afternoons in his favorite recliner rewatching old movies and tracking the data on his backyard weather station. Several times a year he would hit the road with Nancy, always looking for the next adventure and revisiting old favorites like Gulf Shores, Maggie Valley, and Destin.

Anchors Aweigh

Mike passed away peacefully in St. Louis, MO, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and service. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Kay (Ahearn), as well as siblings Marie and David. He is survived by sisters Kate Brehm and Maggie Ronsse, his wife Nancy, and their seven children Michaela Rodenbeck, Tiffany Sugg, Rudy Rudolph, Steven Pendergrass, Cheryl Ormsby, Teresa Breese, Kim Stidham. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

Friends and family are invited to join together to celebrate the life of Mike Ronsse at Greenlawn Funeral Home North on January 18 from 3-5pm. Graveside services with military honors will be held at Brookline Cemetery on January 19 at 1 pm. 

The family of Mike Ronsse recognize and appreciate the sense of community and connection he found at Schweitzer Methodist Church in Springfield, MO.