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Ray Ellis Bauer, 86, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
The son of Elmer & Audrey (Creamer) Bauer, he was born on June 5, 1931 in Pontiac, Michigan. In May of 1949 he graduated from Hillman High School. From 1952 to 1954 Ray served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He often spoke fondly of his military service.
On May 15, 1954, Ray met Norma Jean Broome whom he married on September 4, 1954. They lived for years in Waterford, Michigan where they raised their 4 children. Ray faithfully supported his family as a draftsman in the greater Detroit area. In 1966 he gave his life to Jesus Christ.
In 1996 Ray retired and he and Norma moved to Cedar Springs, Michigan where they built a home. Within the next few years, they moved to other locations near their children. In his spare time Ray loved to hunt, do woodworking, yard work, and spend time with his family. He would always lend a helping hand when called upon by family.
Ray was preceded in passing by his parents; and sister, Lila Bartow. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Norma of 62 years; sister, Joyce (Bauer) Lucas; children, Pamela Joyce (Jerry) Unger, David Jeffrey (Connie) Bauer, Timothy Scott (Shelley) Bauer, and Gregory Ray (Samyann) Bauer. Ray and Norma have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, where a visitation will take place one hour prior, with a luncheon to follow the service. A committal service with full military honors will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, where Ray will be laid to rest until the day the trumpet of the Lord sounds.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Chapel, 3000 Monroe Ave. N.E. in Ray’s memory.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ray’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.
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Grandpa, thanks for being such a great and wonderful grandpa. I always remember how you loved to hunt, going up to the cabin with your boys, and how you made us all laugh and have fun. I also remember you building bird houses for me, and going fishing with us at your house back at your old house in Indiana. You always told us to do our very best.
The nickname you gave me, Snickelfritz, I will always remember. Lemon curd was your favorite to go on toast and sandwiches, and you loved sweets! Im pretty sure that peanut butter cookies were also some of your favorites.
I have heard that when I was little and my Mom had her stroke that you and grandma took care of me. Thanks for putting up with me. Im glad that you saw me grow up and become a young and independent teenager.
There will always be a special place for you in my heart. I just want you to know that I love you soooo much and thanks for everything. If we dont see each other again in this world we will in Gods world.
Your loving granddaughter,
Ana
Norma, Tim, Shelley and all the Bauer family, Please accept our condolences on the passing of Ray. While it is hard for us left behind when our loved ones go home, it is also so wonderful to know that we will see everyone of these loved ones in our God’s presence when we too shall go home. Blessing for all of you and may your memories of Ray bring a smile to your faces during these difficult times.
To you all I want to say my heart is broken for you. He was a great man and my childhood is full of neat memories . I will try and make Thursday. From The Denyes side we send our condolences.
Growing up on Elira it was so nice to see such a Christian family raising up there children in the way they should go. He is with the Lord now. Praise God.
Growing up on Elira it was so nice to see such a Christian family raising up there children in the way they should go. He is with the Lord now. Praise God.