Ronald Gene Schatz, age 71, of Mercer, ND, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law, met the Lord on January 11, 2022.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at the Mercer Community Center with Pastor Randy Emgarten officiating.  Burial will follow in the Mercer Hillside Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mercer followed by a 7:00 PM prayer service.

Ron was born on April 20, 1950 to Ben and Ella Nora (Gilbertson) Schatz in Bismarck, ND.  He was raised on the family farm northwest of Regan.  He attended Pleasant View school for eight years and graduated from Regan High School in 1968.  He attended Bismarck State College for two years taking up auto body.  He worked in auto body for one year and determined he did not like it.  He came to Mercer, ND and started working for Rust Manufacturing.  In 1972, he married Betty Ann Jans of Mercer.  In 1985, he bought the welding shop, Mercer Machine, and worked there until he passed away. Ron's love for machining started when he was a young boy.  When he was 8 years old and his dad would go out to the field, he would burn up welding rods.  He knew he wanted to do this type of work.  His brother Jeff worked beside him through the years and they worked on any type of machinery serving people throughout the state.  His farming background had a lot to do with the success of the business.  Along with his love to weld he also loved to farm.  He loved his John Deere tractors, turned up the radio, and did what needed to get done.  He retired from farming in the late 90's.

Ron loved the Green Bay Packers, country music, dancing, and taking out his antique John Deere tractors and giving rides. Ron loved snowmobiling and would even take the sleds out when the grass was green. He enjoyed his Ranger rides with Betty, snowmobiling trips, and most of all LOVED being with his family and watching his children and grandchildren in all their activities.

Ron served as the Mayor of Mercer for 8 years, City Council for 4 years, Turtle Lake-Mercer School Board for 8 years, and member of the Mercer Fire Department for 49 years.  Ron was a contributing member of The Sons of the American Legion Squadron Post 147 based in Park River, ND.  He also helped with the Brush Lake Rodeo and Mercer Memorial Park.

Ron was loved by all and always had a smile.  He would do anything for anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  His last words when departing were always "taker cool."

He leaves his wife of 49 years, Betty Ann of Mercer; daughter Tina (Brian) Goven of Mercer; son Bobby (Kelli) Schatz of Park River; grandchildren Victoria, Brooke, and Jenna Goven of Mercer, Benjamin and Keegan Schatz of Park River;  Siblings Doug (Donna) Schatz, Marilyn (Curt) Schon-Hedstrom, Randy (Deanna) Schatz, Jeffrey (Tammy) Schatz, and Renae Sturkey.

He was preceded in death by Ben & Ella Nora Schatz (parents), Layla Schatz (granddaughter), Lyle Schon (brother-in-law), Kim Rath (brother-in-law), & Bill Sturkey (brother-in-law).