Ronald Craig “Ronnie” Yurcak, 63, of Metamora, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, and entered into the presence of the Lord. Born on March 9, 1962, in Dearborn, Michigan, Ronnie grew up in Lincoln Park and lived in Woodhaven before making Metamora his home in 1989. He was a devoted Christian and a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose presence brought warmth and laughter to all who knew him.
On November 23, 1990, Ronnie married the love of his life and best friend, Candy (Hendricks) Yurcak. Together, they shared an unshakable bond; you rarely saw one without the other. They did everything together, and some of their favorite moments were spent traveling and taking mini-adventures. Ronnie was the perfect travel companion — always the life of the party, the driver, the singer, and the photographer on family vacations, capturing the memories and making everyone laugh along the way.
He is survived by his wife, Candy; his children, Josh (Kathy) Roth and Cassie (Nate) Garrett; and his cherished grandchildren, Grace, Ben, and Bailey Roth, and Sophie, Savannah, and Scarlett Garrett. Ronnie was a proud and devoted “Papaw,” and his children and grandchildren were the joy of his life. Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made during countless summer nights gathered around the campfire, listening to Papaw’s stories, waiting to see what he’d say next, and laughing until they cried as they all retold the same beloved tales year after year.
Ronnie was the youngest of four siblings and is survived by his sister, Jacqueline Schermesser; his brothers, Richard Yurcak and David Yurcak; and his father, Joseph Yurcak. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Lou (Spurlock) Yurcak. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
Ronnie had numerous passions in life and a work ethic that never quit. He began roofing with his dad at the age of 15, and by 18, he had hit the open road as an over-the-road truck driver, starting with Sandbear. He spent many years behind the wheel doing what he loved, collecting wild stories along the way — from navigating Donner Pass to braving blizzards in Syracuse, New York. He often said with pride, “I’ve backed up more miles than you’ve driven forward.”
Ronnie’s love of drag racing ran equally deep. He worked on Frank Bradley’s Top Fuel Dragster crew in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) when Bradley won the Top Fuel Dragster title at the Winternationals in 1991. Later, he ran the Mickey Thompson tire service truck, supporting racers with his mechanical expertise at tracks across the country. He loved the thrill of the sport — whether it was getting a good qualifying time at his favorite track in Reading or blowing an engine at Pomona, a track he famously hated.
After retiring from trucking, Ronnie tapped into his creative side and became a self-taught coppersmith. What began as selling his works at a small shop in Metamora alongside Candy’s art expanded to his handmade copper pieces being shipped worldwide and his talent being showcased nationally. One of his moonshine stills appeared on the TV show Moonshiners, and another custom copper piece was featured in a Transformers movie. For the past 25 years, he served as the coppersmith and resident comedian at the Pioneer Village at the Indiana State Fair, delighting crowds with both his craftsmanship and his quick wit. In recent years, Ronnie made copper cookie cutters to be sold at the DRAW (Drag Racing Association of Women) booth.
Ronnie was also a gifted writer. He contributed stories to the local newspaper, The Brookville American, where his daughter works, leaving behind not just memories but also words that captured his wit, insight, and love for the community. His final assignment was a special one, helping to cover the 2025 inauguration, a moment he was proud to be part of.
A cornerstone of the Metamora community, Ronnie served for many years on the Metamora Volunteer Fire Department/Rescue 24 and played a leading role with the Whitewater Canal Byway Association beginning in 2004, serving as acting president of the board at the time of his passing. His love for the town was evident in his care for Gateway Park, where he could be found all summer long in his bib overalls, headphones on, weed-eating, and mowing grass — usually singing (off-key) at the top of his lungs.
Ronnie was the one the family and friends called when something broke. Whether it was putting a transmission in a car, fixing plumbing or electrical issues, or figuring out how to make something work with zip ties and a little WD-40, he got it done.
Growing up in Detroit, Ronnie developed a deep love for hockey and was a lifelong, die-hard Detroit Red Wings fan. If you stopped by his home office, chances are, if the Red Wings weren’t playing, you’d hear the Hallmark Channel in the background, an episode of his all-time favorite show, The Andy Griffith Show, or a good old Columbo mystery, keeping him company while he worked.
More than anything, Ronnie will be remembered for the kind of man he was — strong, selfless, funny, fiercely protective, loyal, and full of love. Over the years, his relationship with God grew deeper and more personal, and he often reminded his family, “Don’t be sad when I’m gone — I’ll be good, dancing with Jesus.” Even as his health declined, he remained a light to others, faithfully sending his daily texts to family and friends. They sometimes included a Bible verse, a quote, or a reminder to have a great day. His final message read, “God, I have no idea where you are taking me, but I trust you.” And that is exactly how he lived — with strength, humility, and trust in the Lord. He leaves a legacy of laughter, craftsmanship, service, and faith that will carry on in all who love him. Thank you, Pap.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville. The funeral service will take place on Friday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Brookville, with burial to follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. All are invited back to the church for lunch following the service to continue sharing memories and celebrating Ronnie’s life.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Whitewater Canal Byway Association. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Yurcak family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com