Ronald "Ron" Maurice Jackson

Ronald “Ron” Maurice Jackson, 86, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

Ron was born on August 1, 1936, in Chicago, IL, to Maurice and Frieda (Haehnel) Jackson. He grew up in Hammond, Indiana, and graduated from Hammond Clark High School in 1954 and Purdue University in 1958, with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

On March 21, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, he married his beloved wife of 63 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Cooper, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Rich Jackson of LaPorte, Jerry Jackson of LaPorte, Dan Jackson of South Bend, and Sherri Jackson Johns of Indianapolis; 7 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and a sister, Gigi Jackson-Krause of Lowell.

He was proceeded in death by his parents.

Ron worked at Inland Steel in East Chicago from 1959 - 1970 and was in the Army Reserves from 1959 - 1967. He started working at Whirlpool Corporation in 1970, initially as a Methods Engineer, and later as a Senior Plant Engineer, and enjoyed success there until his retirement in 1996.

Ron was a man of many interests and activities. He loved playing handball and racquetball at the LaPorte YMCA. Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman, and especially enjoyed perch fishing on Lake Michigan.
Ron was a gifted piano and keyboard player and spent many hours entertaining his family with all genres of music. He was always available.  Ron especially enjoyed helping family, friends and neighbors with projects.

Ron was a high school wrestling referee for 25 years and was fortunate to referee the Indiana state finals twice.

Ron both loved and agonized watching the Cubs and Bears. He loved watching the Bulls during the Michael Jordan era and wrestling on the Big Ten Network.

Most of all, Ron loved Betty, the best wife and mother possible, and his children, who meant the world to him.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in LaPorte. A private family service will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the LaPorte YMCA at https://www.mightycause.com/donate/Lpymca /donate

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.

The funeral home has arranged for you to gift fully prepared meals to the family to assist them during this difficult time.  For more information, click here.