September 27, 1941 - October 23, 2025

 

Wilmer “Bill” Nestor Ruona, Sr., a devoted Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep while visiting Colorado, on October 23, 2025.  

 

He is survived by his loving daughter, Tricia "Trish" Flake (Edward Flake); his grandchildren, Tyler Ruona (Camille Briski), Preston Flake, and Marina Flake; and his great-grandchildren, Kaston Flake and Breck Flake.  Wilmer was also adored by many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his beloved and beautiful wife of 58 years, Lucia "Lucy" Bonilla Ruona.  

 

As a child, Wilmer lived in the Upper Peninsula of MI, where his father was a commercial fisherman, and he played hockey.  As a teen, Wilmer was selected to be on the US Olympic Hockey Team but due to family financial constraints, he decided to enlist in the US Army instead.  He spent time in Europe while enlisted in the Army where he worked as a mechanic.  Following his military service, he became a certified mechanic at Chevrolet.  Wilmer loved working with his hands and found his true passion was in carpentry.  He loved building cabinets and woodworking.  He worked first as a laborer and became a master carpenter who retired from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Union of America.  He worked as a superintendent on major commercial construction projects and he often received bonuses for getting the job done “on-time and under-budget”.  He was a perfectionist and he could build anything with such precision and quality craftsmanship!

 

In his free time, Wilmer enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and he played a great game of golf!   He coached his kids at different sports as a dad, and he prioritized time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren!  His love for them was boundless, especially into adulthood.  He taught them how to ride bikes, snowboard, golf, skateboard and he was their biggest fan at their sporting events!  It was imperative to him that everyone around him had everything they needed, especially his children and grandchildren.  In retirement, Wilmer and Lucy had a blessed life enjoying travel, camping in their RV, gardening and watching sporting events!    He was a sort of adventurist in his later years.  He rode a bike at 80 years old and his claim to fame was rising a longboard at 77!  

 

Wilmer was the son of the late Nestor Raymond Ruona and Lillian Ann Willmers of Boot Jack, MI.  He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters: Laila Knuuti (Paul), Beatrice Hyrkas (Carlos), Jane Pelto (William), and Joyce Nordstrom (Francis); and his brothers: Edwin Ruona (Anita), and Raymond Ruona (Marlene). 

 

Wilmer’s love language was helping others.  He often helped neighbors with car and home repairs.  He had a great sense of humor, and he loved watching college football and listening to country music.  He provided his children with a rich childhood complete with camping, boating, road trips, and competitive archery and trap shooting.  He had a special relationship with his son, Willie.  They worked together as carpenters for decades and they built a general contracting business together.  They also both competed at trap shooting together where they won many competitions!  Together they earned their firefighter certificates and EMT certifications, as volunteers.  Willie left his home to stay with Wilmer and was Wilmer’s caregiver for the past 3 years.  His son and best friend, Wilmer Ruona, Jr., preceded Wilmer, Sr. in death by 12 days.   

 

Wilmer will be remembered for his kind heart and witty spirit, but mostly for the immense love he shared with his family.  He was a man of principle and integrity and was quite loyal to all the Michigan sports teams he grew up cheering for!  Wilmer was a proud veteran and he loved our country.  His memory will be cherished forever by his daughter, son-in-law,  grandchildren, great grandchildren, his family, and his lifelong friends.  

 

The family is planning a combined Celebration of Life service for both Wilmer, Sr. and Wilmer, Jr. in Colorado in March 2026.