Raymond James Andersen's Obituary
Raymond James Andersen, age 66, of Hudsonville passed away peacefully
at a cabin up north in Baldwin, MI, where he loved to spend time
around the campfire, talking with friends/family, cooking and surfing
the internet. Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Ray was the third child of four born to Christian and Irene (Opacki)
Andersen. He was born on February 8, 1943, in Grand Rapids. He served
in the Navy on the USS Boston from 1961 to 1963. He was actively
involved with fellow shipmates, the discussion boards revolving
around the ship, and attended reunions each year.
He married Sandra (Shields) on July 29, 1967 in St. Andrews
Cathedral. Ray and Sandy have one daughter, Michelle. He was known as
Papa Ray to his twin eight-year-old grandsons with whom he loved to
engineer Lego creations, play checkers and other games.
In 2008, Ray retired from Riviera Tool Company (Grand Rapids) where
he had held several positions over the years, including Head of
Engineering and Data Administrator.
Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Sandra; one daughter, Michelle
(Randy) Browne; two grandchildren: Knoel and Kaden Browne; one
sister, Arlene (John) Morris; and two brothers: Frederic (Nancy)
Andersen and Phillip (Barbara) Andersen; several nieces and nephews.
The family will greet family and friends Tuesday, April 14th, 2009,
from 6-9 PM at the VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home, 620
Washington Ave., Grand Haven. A celebration of Ray's life will be
held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 15th, 2009, with a viewing
available at 10 AM, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 920 Fulton
Street, Grand Haven. The family appreciates your continued prayers,
support and requests memorials in honor of Raymond James Andersen be
made to the Dominican Center at Marywood/Dominican Sisters, 2025 E.
Fulton, Grand Rapids or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 551 36th Street,
SE, Suite C, Grand Rapids. Please visit www.vbkfuneralhome.com to
confirm visitation/service times and dates and sign Ray's online
guest book or share a memory with the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Raymond James?
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Share a story where Raymond James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Raymond James you’ll never forget.
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