Raymond Louis Irwin's Obituary
IRWIN, MR.
RAYMOND LOUIS (LOU)
Muskegon
Mr. Raymond Louis Irwin, age 86, passed away Wednesday April 7, 2010 at a local nursing home. Louis was born in Traverse City, Michigan on April 27, 1923 as Victor Schaeffer to Belmont and Gladys (Tarner) Schaeffer. At the age of 4 he was adopted by close family members, the Irwins, who dearly loved their little boy all their lives! His name was changed and he moved to his new home in Muskegon. He fondly remembered his childhood as a very happy and blessed one with his new parents. He attended Muskegon High School, graduating in 1942, and was a member of the Tennis Team. As a very young man he showed exceptional musical talent & began playing the violin in the West Shore Symphony and singing with the First Congregational Church Choir. In 1943 he enlisted in the Army out of high school. As a member of “The Greatest Generation”, he served his country in WWII - the European Campaign. Returning from war in 1945, Louis married the former Marcia Jeanne Blackford in Flushing, MI on June 29th, 1946. He became a Bricklayer, like his father and father-in-law, and told many stories about laying the brick for the area’s finest buildings and landmarks such as the Occidental Hotel. He served the Bricklayers Union as its Secretary for countless years. He also was a long-time member of the Muskegon Elks Club. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who considered the out-of-doors to be his own private place from which to worship God, but he especially loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia; 3 children to whom he was a loving father, Barbara (John) Usmial of Berwyn, IL, Rae Louise Jeannot-Davis, and Thomas (Marcia Clyne) Irwin, both of Muskegon; his 8 beloved grandchildren, Cori (Ron) Johnson, Kendell (Gene) Altena, William Jeannot, Louis Jeannot, Molly (Tim) Olsen, Lee (Becky) Usmial, Jenna Irwin, and Colin Irwin; and his 9 dear great-grandchildren Hannah Bratsburg, Sarah Bratsburg, Noah Mitchell, Luke Johnson, Zachary Altena, Nathaniel Altena, Nicholas Altena, Katelynn Usmial and Stanley Usmial. Louis was preceded in death by his loving parents, William Ray Irwin and Adelia (DeWitt) Irwin and by his brothers Ben (Mae) Schaeffer and Seth (Bea) Schaefer. He will be remembered by all as “True Blue Lou”. You could always count on him to tell the truth, to be a good friend, and to break into song or tears over everything he loved. To celebrate his life and legacy, a MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at a later date at Orchard View Congregational Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Orchard View Congregational Church. Share memories with the family on their on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by
The Sytsema Chapel
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
737 Apple Ave.
231-726-5210
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