Raymond A. Herder's Obituary
Raymond Alan Herder, age 90, passed away August 28, 2011 at Heartland Knollview Manor. He was born January 25, 1921 in Muskegon, and was a life resident of the area. Ray was an athlete! At Muskegon High School in 1938 he was an All-State (leather helmet) football star. He played half-back and quarter back, both offense and defense. He continued his love for football by officiating for the Big Reds for 20 years in his adulthood. He also loved to golf and spent countless summer afternoons on the links. He was a great lover of the outdoors. Raymond was a very giving and social person. He was committed to volunteering his time at local soup kitchens for those less fortunate than himself. He loved to bless his family and friends with raspberries from his carefully and lovingly tended raspberry patch. A lover of music and dancing, he looked forward to attending the monthly Senior dances held at Orchard View Middle School, where he could socialize and dance to his favorite music. He loved to play his guitar and sing. A hard working man, Ray was employed at Brenneman Tool and Die for 30 years, until his shop moved out of town. During WWII Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp. as a radio controller on a B26 Bomber. He was a man of great faith and a committed long time member of Westwood Reformed Church of Roosevelt Park for 50+ years. He was a big-hearted man, warm, quick with a smile, and a friend to all. He accepted his death gracefully, and looked eagerly to be with the Lord. His lovely wife, Doris (Ecklund) Herder, preceded him in death, as did his son Lynn Herder, and his brother, Marvin Herder. His daughter Marcia (Herder) Dykstra survives him, as well as six grandchildren, Gregory (Susan) Herder, Lisa (Tom) German, Jennifer (Mike) Ferenz, Tamara (Trent) Smith, Catherine (Robert) Hamlin, and Mark Bolser; 1 daughter-in-law, Mary Herder; 3 nephews, Dale (Diane) Herder, Larry (Roxanne) Herder, Thomas (Janet) Herder; 10 great-grandchildren, Ciara Herder, Corey Bradfield, Collin Bradfield, Alex German, Allyson German, Baby Girl German (due in October), Mallory Smith, Steven Smith, Zakary Smith, and Emily Ferenz. He was blessed with some very special neighbors, including Walt and Jean Ritter, and Bob Jakubowski. A Celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, September 2, at Westwood Reformed Church, 3025 Glenside Blvd., with Rev. Scott VanArendonk officiating. Visitation with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service. Military rites will be carried out by the Muskegon County Council of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Guard. You may sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in Mr. Herder’s memory may be made to Westwood Reformed Church, or the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. (231) 759-8565.
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