Ronald Flesch Obituary

Flesch
Ronald Louis
Flesch
March 5, 1934
May 4, 2024

Ronald Louis Flesch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 4, 2024, at his home in Monument, Colorado, after a short battle with cancer. He was 90 years old. Ron has joined Susan, the love of his life, in the eternal light and love of Christ.

Ron Flesch was born in 1934, in Louisville, Kentucky, the elder son of Louis and Josephine (Hofmann) Flesch. Ron was a gifted student, graduating as class valedictorian from Louisville's Flaget High School in 1952. After graduation, Ron attended St Meinrad Seminary, Indiana, but ultimately graduated first in his mechanical engineering class at the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville.

Ron was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force upon graduation from U of L. Poor depth perception necessitated switching from pilot training to working in the high-speed aerodynamics lab at Wright Patterson AFB, tuning the first supersonic wind tunnel.

After his service in the Air Force, he began work as a development engineer for IBM in Lexington, KY. At IBM, his team patented several aspects of the first Selectric typewriter, chief among these being the electric ball element, which replaced over 50 separate keys and speeded the machine's operation. He continued designing as a professional engineer for IBM until his retirement 30 years later.

While a student at U of L, Ron married Susan McCall, also of Louisville. They were destined to be husband and wife for 64 years, until Susan's death in 2021. Ron and Susan's marriage took them from Louisville to Dayton, and then to Lexington, where they purchased their first home. They remained there for the next forty years, where they raised four children and completed their working lives.

Ron and Susan began their retirement in Lexington, but traveled frequently to visit their growing family. They devoted themselves to learning the intricacies of round dancing and spent many joyous hours with their friends in pursuit of the perfect dance.

In 2003, they settled in Monument, Colorado, living their remaining years near family. They were lifelong dancers and learners, keeping their feet and minds active. Ron and Susan considered themselves truly blessed with health and happiness.

After Susan's return to Christ in 2021, Ron remained a dedicated servant to his family and to God. He was happiest when he was with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending endless hours playing games and taking them to the park. Ron will be long remembered by those who knew him as a gifted, loving, and generous man.

Ron Flesch is survived by his younger brother and faithful friend, Rich (Glenda Roby); his children James, Karl (Frieda Parker), Suzanne (Richard Paroutaud), and Joanna (Kevin Witt); ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. God speed, big-daddy Ron.