Ron Gochnauer- March 25, 1951- January 31, 2026
Ron Gochnauer, 74, of Massillon, formerly of Wooster, passed away on January 31, 2026, after a period of declining health. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Ron was born on March 25, 1951, in Galion, Ohio to Lester and Isa (Hostetler) Gochnauer. He soon moved to Apple Creek, Ohio, where he lived for many years. He graduated from Waynedale High School in 1969. He attended Nashville Auto-Diesel College in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated in 1971 with a certificate in auto mechanics.
Ron married Kathy (Firebaugh) on November 4, 1972. They lived in Wooster for 43 years before moving to Massillon in 2022. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage together full of love and laughter. She survives.
Ron was an automotive technician for 43 years, working in several different garages before opening R & R Automotive in Wooster. He retired in 2017 and enjoyed traveling, woodworking, trap shooting, and most of all attending his grandson’s school activities. He was happiest when he was spending time with his family.
Ron will be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved to tease everyone and enjoyed making people laugh. He will also be remembered for his kindness. He was always willing to help anyone in need.
In addition to his wife, Ron is survived by his son Ryan (Colleen) Gochnauer of Litchfield, daughter Kelli (Joe) of Canton, sister Lena Sue Gochnauer of Apple Creek and sister-in-law Karen Gochnauer of Hamptonville, North Carolina, and grandsons Carter and Jack Sterling, who were his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bob and Rick Gochnauer.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm at McIntire Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home- 216 E. Larwill St. Wooster, Ohio.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital in honor of Ron’s brother Rick, who lost his battle with cancer when he was only 12 years old.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
I’m so sorry. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Ron was an amazing man. He was another brother to me to me. If anyone needed anything he was always the first to help. I’ll miss his teasing and laughter.
Uncle Ron was someone who always made me smile! He was always so supportive and kind. I will miss him!
Ron was definitely more of a brother than a brother-in-law. So kind and giving. He loved pulling pranks on people. He always spoke volumes in a very few words. We are so sorry he is gone. We will miss him a lot
We are so sorry for your loss,Ron was a genuinely nice person was always willing to help anybody and his sense of humor will be missed
Uncle Ron, I’m sorry it makes me so sad. Ron was more to me then many knew, he understood me, he got me, and we made each other laugh mostly through text and phone calls. To his family think of how amazing this man is, was forever…I will miss him.
I’m so so sorry for you all. Uncle Ron was one in a million. He practiced what he preached and you knew he loved you by both his words and his actions. He was the first to jump in if you needed anything – he didn’t even think twice about it. It was just who he was. I will miss his teasing (always done in the most loving way possible) and his silent laugh. The wiggling shoulders were the best! I love him and will miss him always! Much love to you guys!
So Sorry. Ron was Genuinely Great Guy! Always Loved his Whit, Smile, and Laugh! Sending Love and Prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a good man and will be missed. Prayers for you all
Uncle Ron, your smile, your laugh, and that unmistakable orneriness will be missed by everyone that knew you. I will miss you. Praying for comfort and peace for all your family and friends as we hold onto the memories you have left with us.
Kathy, I’m so sorry to see about Ron. Please accept my condolences.
So sorry for the loss of a kind and caring person. Kathy you and your family are in our prayers.
Ron was a friend who cared for others! He loved Kathy, his kids, grandsons, family and friends. He was a good business person, too. So many will miss him, as will I. Sending big hugs.
Ron and I were neighbors, classmates and graduated from Nashville Auto-Diesel College together. Even though we haven’t seen each other for years and live many miles apart, I still think of him as a brother. Many prayers for his family.
Kathy and family, I am so terribly sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. It sounds like he was an amazing husband, father and friend to many. I can only hope that good memories will help you through this most difficult time.
Ron was one of a kind. He was always so thoughtful and kind {as well as a sense of humor!! } So very sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers for the family, for he will be sorely missed by many!!
Ron was my best friend for the last 57 years. He was like the brother I never had. We met in 1969 when we both went to Nashville Auto Diesel College and became roommates and stayed together until we graduated. We have had so many laughs and good times over the years. We have kept in touch almost every week since. His wife Kathy who I love dearly and my late wife Beth joined him and I on some wonderful adventures that saw so many laughs and jokes and pranks. I will miss our many talks we’ve had and our many visits and outings together. Rest In Peace my brother. I Love you.❤️
Ron was a truly unique gift to our world. I’ll always remember times with him fondly. His smile is etched in my mind. I was blessed to know him.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
I’m deeply sorry and understand the void that will remain. Prayer of the broken hearted, cure for the shattered heart is to love despite the brokenness. Praying for love and peace in the days to come.