UPDATED: Father of Sudbury Marine: My Son Was a Classy Kid

Jeffrey Ronner's voice was subdued Wednesday while talking about the life of his son, Lance Cpl. Michael J. Ronner, 23.

The Marine who grew up in town, attended Sudbury Public Schools and Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High before graduating in 2007, was "very courageous and wanted to serve his country."

Michael wanted to be a Marine in every way, learning all the disciplines, strengths and values that come with wearing the uniform.

"It interested him," Jeffrey said. "He talked about joining the military on and off through college."

On Monday morning, Michael Ronner was found dead on base at Camp Pendleton.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents are treating the death as a suicide, the North County Times reports.

But Jeffrey Ronner said he was in contact with his son often and didn't suspect anything was wrong.

"While he was at Camp Pendleton, he'd get back here couple times of year," Jeffrey said. "We'd have contact daily either by text, emails or phone calls. He loved his family, his friends and Sudbury."

Michael's first deployment was scheduled for June in Afghanistan.

Jeffrey spoke with Marines officials earlier Wednesday about his son, but said he was not at liberty to say much.

"They are saying it's under investigation, what happened out there," he said. "It will take a couple of months to complete the investigation."

According to Patty Houpt, founder of the Sudbury Military Support Network, a service for Michael is planned for next week.

Michael attended Indiana University and studied business, his father said.

While at L-S, he ran track and was on the ski team.

Jeffrey said family and friends have reached out to send their condolences.

"He was a classy kid," Jeffrey said. "And I want people to treat him as so."