Ronald Joseph Hatke age 72, of rural Waynetown, passed away following a courageous battle with glioblastoma since February, at 11:35 PM Wednesday August 7, 2024 in Franciscan Hospice House, Indianapolis.  Ron was born in Lafayette January 15, 1952 son of the late Stan Hatke and Rosemary Snider Hatke who survives.  He married Terresa Dockins in St. Bernards Catholic Church, Crawfordsville, November 6, 1976 and she survives.

Ron was a 1970 graduate of Linden High School, a 10 year 4-Her, and attended Danville Area 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 Homesher owner of Montgomery Tractor, paid Ron's tuition to attend DAC where he studied Agri Mechanics.  After Montgomery Tractor and Implement closed, he was employed by  Reynolds Farm Equip. in Lafayette, then Wright Farm Equip. 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: his wife Terresa of rural Waynetown, his mother; Rosemary Hatke of Crawfordsville.  His children: Cara M. (Jeremy) Powell of Crawfordsville, Jill M. (Drew) Jenkins of New Palestine and son Joseph B. (Lisa) Hatke of New Palestine.  Grandchildren: Sophia & Hunter Powell, Nora & Delcie Hatke, Dexter & Olivia Jenkins.  Sisters: Sharon Harlan, Diana Simpson, Madonna Bailey, Barb Carrell, Roseann Ryle, brother Mike Hatke and sister-in-law Rita Hatke.  He was preceded in death by his father Stan, sister Carla Truax and brother Steve Hatke.

Visitation hours are 3:30 – 7:30 PM Sunday, August 11, 2024 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Crawfordsville.  With a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Monday August 12, 2024 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' @ 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.