Mr. Ronald J. "Tugboat" Vanderputte, age 60, of Hart, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2015 at home, following his courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born November 19, 1954, in Hart to Ernest and Margaret (Raulin) Vanderputte. Ron married the former Paula Wambaugh on April 21, 1979 at the Hart United Methodist Church. He was employed as truck driver at Towns Brothers Construction in Ludington. Ron was also a veteran of the US Army. He was an avid lover of the out of doors, enjoying fishing, hunting, kayaking, motorcycle riding, bird watching and working on his farm and spending many hours on his Massey-Ferguson farm tractor.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 35 years: Paula Vanderputte of Hart; one son: Richard (Phil McPherson) Vanderputte of Nunica, MI; his mother Margaret (Mel) Curtis of Hart; one sister: Rhonda (Ron) Bogner of North Muskegon, MI; one brother: Randy (Becky) Vanderputte of Hart; mother in law, Phyllis Wambaugh of Elbridge Township; several aunts and uncles; brother and sister in laws; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest (Peggy) Vanderputte, father in law, George Wambaugh, and brother in law, Larry Wambaugh.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Vanderputte will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 11:00 am at Hart United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Wieringa officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Hart and Saturday from one hour prior to the service at Hart United Methodist Church, 308 South State Street, Hart, MI. Interment will be in the Hart Cemetery. Ron's family wishes to thank Harbor Hospice staff for their care and requests that any memorials be directed to Harbor Hospice, 1050 West Western Avenue Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.

To send flowers or sympathy cards, please use the Expressions of Sympathy link to the left.