Ronald Joseph Pranger, Sr.

Joe retired from Bear Automotive after 20 years where he trained Senior Automotive Technicians as well as their trainers and wrote service manuals. He lived religiously by the teachings of Peace and Love. He was a master at modification and enjoyed engineering. His love for gardening, his time working in Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the great outdoors, winning most games of pool using psychological psych outs, travel, festivals at Lothlorien Nature Sanctuary, and camping led him to many interesting places and people. He was fondly referred to as Papa Joe acting as a fatherly figure to many he encountered sharing words of wisdom and crass commentary whenever the opportunity warranted. For others, Uncle Joe was the friendly, caring, ornery old fart that influenced many young people with his love. 

Joe is survived by his partner in love, Linda Kutch-Matthias. Sons, Matthew of Mooresville and Eric of Indianapolis, and his other children, Ron Jr., Anita, and Michael, 12 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild as well as his most cherished friend and favorite former wife, Rolleen Jones, and countless members of The Pranger’s and of his Tribe. 

He is Preceded in death by his parents George and Fern, brothers William (Bill) and Harold, sister Donna, and half siblings John Stack Jr. and Mildred Wright and his grandson, Justin Pranger. 

Joe didn’t want to miss a celebration, so his Celebration of Life occurred last Saturday where he was named the Most Valuable Pranger and claimed it as one of the best parties of his life. It was such a great party, it lasted until Sunday evening. 

Graveside services will be held at high noon on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Pinkston Hill Cemetery, 1 Ratkovich Lane, Bedford, IN. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to IndyHumane, 7929 Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 as or the Mooresville Lions Club, 4 E. Harrison St., Mooresville, IN 46158, where his partner Linda’s son Matthew, former spouse Rolleen, and former stepdaughter Roxy are all members.