Raymond J. Carlson's Obituary
Raymond J. Carlson, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 15, 2022. He was born on September 1, 1961 to Arnold P. and Katherine J. (Brosnan) Carlson in Paw Paw, MI. Ray was an active member of St. Patrick & St. Anthony Catholic Church in Grand Haven, MI. Ray graduated from Decatur High School in 1980 and Western Michigan University with a Paper Engineering degree in 1985. He worked from 1985 to 2008 for SD Warren and Sappi Fine Paper companies. He then went to work at EcoSynthetix as a technical director until retiring in April 2022. Ray enjoyed kayaking, golfing, hiking, snowmobiling and waterskiing. He was a member of the Northside Sno-Vets Snowmobile Club. On June 22, 1985, he married, Lisa A. Osmick and they were together for 37 years. SURVIVORS include wife, Lisa; children, Kristen (fiancé Brice Warner) Carlson and Patrick Carlson; siblings, John (Audrey) Carlson of Dowagiac, Kathy (Dan) Northrup of Decatur, Tom (Carolyn) Carlson of Dowagiac, Elaine Carlson of Kalamazoo along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; sisters-in-law, Carol White of Byron Center and Marcia (Doug) Sikkema of Decatur; brothers-in-law, David Osmick of LaGrande, Oregon and Bob (Kerry) Osmick of Marcellus. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Alfred Osmick and Virginia (Jay) Vilek and sister-in-law, Diane Osmick. A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will take place 11:00 AM, Thursday, December 22, 2022 at St. Patrick’s & St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (920 Fulton St.) in Grand Haven with Rev. Fr. Charles Schwartz presiding. VISITATION will be 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evening at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with a public Rosary being prayed at 4:30pm. BURIAL will take place at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church Cemetery in Dowagiac, MI. MEMORIALS can be directed to St. Patrick’s & St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Raymond?
What’s a lesson you learned from Raymond?
Share a story where Raymond's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Raymond you’ll never forget.
How did Raymond make you smile?