Obituary of Raymond J. Serier

SERIER, Raymond J. of Saginaw, Michigan met the Lord on the morning of September 13, 2011. Age 90 years. He was born on August 17, 1921 to the late John and Minnie (Cramer) Serier in Holland, Michigan. His brother Les Serier preceded him in death. Most of his youth was spent as a caddie on what is now the Elks Club in Holland. It was here that he developed a life-long devotion to the game of golf. Ray was an outstanding athlete at Holland High School, being named All-State in football and basketball. After graduation, he spent a few years as a furniture polisher in one of the many factories in the southwestern portion of the state. Soon, however, the call to duty found him enlisted in the US Army Air Corps trained as a bombardier and navigator on B-17 and B-24 aircraft. After the war he attended Michigan State College where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1950. Ray was Project Engineer on many roads and bridges throughout the state during his 38 years with the Michigan Department of Transportation, most notably the Ezra Rust Bridge in Saginaw and the I-275 by-pass in greater Detroit. Much of Ray's leisure time was spent on the golf course. He was the organizer of many golf tournaments for the highway department and was the long time secretary of the St. Stephen Golf League where he made many life-long friendships. He belonged to Swan Valley Golf Club and was among the founding members of Maple Hill Golf Club. Ray's penchant for 19th hole commentary gave birth to such greats as the "snappy-six" and "tricky-eight", among others. It was during his first assignment in Saginaw that he met Mary Hallane, she predeceased him in 2000. Ray and Mary wed in 1955 and brought three children into this world: Carman A. Serier, Bowdoinham, ME, Kevin E. Serier, Farmingdale, ME, and Philip A. Serier (Teresa), Saginaw, MI. Left to cherish his memory, in addition to his children, are grandchildren: Maeve B., Regan T., and Mairin F. Serier, all of Saginaw. MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at St. Andrews Cemetery, 381 Saint Andrews Rd. Rev. Fr. William Rutkowski will officiate. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to MSU Alumni Association or the American Diabetes Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with Ray's family at the Memorial Service or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com