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Ronald James Gurda

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Ronald James Gurda was born on March 24, 1939, in Chicago Ill. and passed away suddenly on Feb. 6, 2013. Ron was the only child of Mildred Pierce Collins and James Gurda. Ron grew up in Chicago and joined the Marine Corps at age 17, where he served for two years before being honorably discharged. When Ron was 21 he joined the Chicago Police Force where he proudly served for 19 years rising to become a detective. After owning a resort in Missouri, he moved to sunny Arizona in 1987. He enjoyed hiking, bicycling and gardening, but his main passion was serving his Lord. He touched many lives and always made people feel at ease. Ron is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred; and Diane Gurda, the mother of his children. He leaves behind his wife, Elaine of 24 years whom he worked at Freedom Medicine in Pakistan and traveled with extensively; as well as his three children, Wayne, Valarie, and Corrine; six grandchildren, Danielle, Kirsten, Shelby, Haley, Sean, Sara; and two great-grandsons, Carson, and Jordan. Ron was greatly loved and will be missed by his family, and friends. Memorial Services were at Superstition Foothills Baptist Church in Gold Canyon, Arizona on Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 at 1 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to At Season's End Mortuary, Apache Junction, Ariz. (480)982-7721.

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