Obituary of Robert E. Ray

RAY, Robert E. of Saginaw Township passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. He was 91 years old. Robert E. Ray was born on May 26, 1920 in Merrill, MI to the late Franklin and Alta (Deziley) Ray. Robert was married to Bette Ann DeShone on November 7, 1942 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church; she preceded him in death on April 15, 1971. He later married Patricia Ann Beelman on September 3, 1971 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merrill; she preceded him in death on December 23, 2008. Robert was a lifelong member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. He was a graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1939. Robert then proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy from October 1, 1942 until November 17, 1945. Upon returning from the Navy he established Robert E. Ray Builders in Saginaw. Robert loved spending time with his family, sailing, traveling, biking, camping and woodworking. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of the Community Living Center and Palliative Care Unit at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center for all the love and care they provided to Robert. Robert is survived by a daughter and two sons: Leslie (Jeff) Shields of Minneapolis, MN, R. Patrick "Pat" (Nancy) Ray of Saginaw and R. Michael "Mike" (Kathy) Ray of Saginaw; five grandchildren: Tonia, Terry (Torie), Eric, Christina and Cody; four great grandchildren: Jackson, Drew, Braden and Colten; and a brother, Ronald Ray. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. FUNERAL: A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Larry L. Gronski will officiate. Military honors will be provided under the auspices of V.F.W. Post #1859 at the funeral home on Tuesday. Private Rite of Committal will be at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw City Rescue Mission. Please share your thought and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com