Ronald "Mike" E. Watson

Ronald E. “Mike” Watson, February 17, 1948 – March 21, 2023.  A life well lived. Mike Watson departed his earthly life surrounded by his family on March 21, 2023.

Mike was the seventh of nine children born to Samuel and Erma Watson on February 17, 1948. He married the love of his life, Mary Louise Celie, “Lou La Bell,” on June 29, 1968. She survives along with his three adoring daughters, Jennifer (Jeff) Henke, Michelle (Peter) Horvath and Stephanie Watson. He is also survived by his greatest joys, his grandchildren: Kyle Henke; Michaela, Atticus, Jackson, and Prescott Horvath; and Ayden and Rylin Berndt.  Mike is survived by his brothers and sisters: Judy Zielinski, Rachel Grummel, John (Tad) Watson, Bob (Vicki) Watson, Sam (Kathy) Watson, Ric (Annie) Watson, Tom (Diane) Celie and Deanna Cessna. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Leon and Irene Celie, his brother Tom and his wife Diane Watson, his sister Ruth and her husband Tom Winslow, and brothers-in-law Al Zielinski and David Celie.

Mike graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1966 and attended Davenport College and Indiana University. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps on February 19, 1969, and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant on February 18, 1975.

He lived all of his life in the city he loved, Mishawaka. Mike realized his dream to become a Mishawaka firefighter in 1975, and was promoted and donned the white hat as Chief of the Fire Department in 1987. He took great pride in his time on the Fire Department and implemented practices and improvements that undoubtedly saved countless lives. After his retirement from the Fire Department on May 12, 1997, Mike was asked and accepted the position as Mishawaka Street Commissioner and Director of Central Services.  He retired from the Street Department on March 31, 2014, the same day he was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Mike Pence for his service to the State of Indiana and was honored to have the new Central Services Building named the “R. Mike Watson Central Services Facility.” In true Mike fashion, he continued to serve the city as a member of the Board of Public Works and Safety from 2004 until his death. He was always searching for ways to improve the city of Mishawaka and had an impact on our community throughout his 48 years of service that will be felt for years to come. He was honored to have served us all and held special respect for those he worked with, particularly Mayor Dave Wood.

His greatest joys in life came from his family. He, along with Mary Lou, created a home welcome to all and extended his love to his family and friends in every possible way. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and loved and served our Lord with his whole heart. His family, and most importantly his grandchildren, brought him the greatest joy. He attended every sporting event and school function for his daughters and then his grandchildren and loved every single moment. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his loving family.

We cherish the time we had with our hero, our Papa, Mike Watson, and will endeavor to carry on his legacy – love always and help those you can. As Mike would say, “It’s time to get out of this fire trap!”    

The family will receive friends from 2 pm-8 pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 am on Monday, March 27, 2023, at Queen of Peace, 4508 Vistula Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46544 with visitation 1 hour prior in the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to ProMedica Hospice, who lovingly cared for him in his final days.

To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com or Hahn Funeral Home Facebook page.

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