Ronald L. "Pops" Berkel, 61, Passionate drag racing fan

He was born October 6, 1942 in St. Joe County, Indiana where he was raised. He came to Ohio in 1965 and lived in Elyria for 27 years. He has lived in Amherst Township for the past 4 years.

Ronald worked for Michigan Springs formerly Timm Springs for 38 years retiring in 2004 as a job setter. He was a veteran of U.S. Army and belonged to the Elyria Amvets post 32, the Sheffield Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. He and his wife were foster parents to 14 children. He was a member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Elyria and a member of the Polish Club.

Ronald was a passionate drag racing fan and participated in Norwalk Drag Racing. He also participated in the Lorain Senior Fellowship Bowling and loved to go camping.

Survivors include wife of 38 years: Kathleen Ann (nee Logue); his son, Ronald L. Berkel, II of Elyria; his daughters: Dawn Berkel of Elyria and Richelle Kleinhenz of Grafton; 8 grandchildren; his brothers: Richard Berkel of Osceola, IN, and Randall Berkel of Mishawaka, IN; one niece, 2 nephews; 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews.

He was preceded by his parents: Roland and Dorothy (nee Richardson) Berkel. Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. with military honors by the Elyria Amvets Post 32. Rev. Kathy Ketchum pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ronald Berkel Memorial Fund at any First Merit Bank Branch.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.