Gerald Arthur Ronneau

Dr Gerald “Jerry“ or “Doc” Ronneau, of Valparaiso, IN passed away early on March 27th, 2024 at the age of 87. Born on Flag Day in 1936 on the south side of Chicago, Jerry moved to his adopted hometown of Valpo as a young boy with his sister Sharon, brother Jack, his mother, Genevieve Tuton, and his father, Arthur Ronneau, who founded Gary-Hobart Roofing Supply. The school friends he made from Cooks Corners and Valparaiso High School became lifelong friends. In his final years, he thought and talked of little else but them and his family. After spending most of his teen years drag racing down Lincolnway and after a brief, but eye-opening journey to Montana to work on the railroads, he studied medicine. He became a popular doctor, setting up his first practice in Chesterton before relocating to Valpo. He was a man of highly eclectic interests including Irish set dancing, carpentry, collecting Americana, restoring Ford Model As, working on computers, history, photography and philosophy. Of all his interests though, none was more beloved than simply sitting and chatting and getting to know people more. His interests were varied, his curiosity unending and his love for his friends and family was strong and unending. He was a member of the First Unitarian Church of Hobart for over 40 years, the Model T Restoration Club of Northwest Indiana and the Indiana Medical Association for over 50 years. Jerry was also a member of the Porter County Museum and loved collecting antiques. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Carrie Ronneau, and her son Aedan; his son, Jesse Ronneau, and his wife, Melissa; and his brother, Jack Ronneau, and his wife Carol. Jerry's firstborn son, Evan Ronneau, sadly passed away in 2021. Jerry's sister, Sharon Douglas, sadly passed in 2018. Jerry wished to have no memorial service. However, a celebration of his life will be held in June. Please go to docronneaucelebration@gmail.com for more details. In place of flowers, the family would welcome any donation to Valpo Old Time Dance, Assisting Seniors or Doctors without Borders.