Raymond W. Wilfong, 95, of Escanaba, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the Bishop Noa Home.
Raymond was born Feb. 22, 1916, in Detroit, the son of Ernest and Mary (Brinn) Wilfong. He was raised in Powers and was a 1934 graduate of the Powers-Spalding High School. Following graduation Raymond lived in Gladstone for several years until moving to Escanaba in 1954. In 1941 Raymond joined the United States Army and served his country proudly until 1945. He was a veteran of World War II and received numerous medals and ribbons while serving in the European Theater.
Following the war Raymond worked as a telephone repairman for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 31 years until he retired in 1979.
Raymond was a member of the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, and being with family and friends.
Raymond is survived by: his daughter-in-law, Ruth (John) Heidemann; his step-daughter, Marland (Llewellyn ) Mosier of Escanaba; seven grandchildren, Debra Nance, Terie (Richard) Clark, Lisa Richards, Craig Nance, Brett (Julie) Nance, Carrie (Tom) Deno of Escanaba and Troy (Kim) Mosier of Escanaba; sixteen great-grandchildren, Hanna and Kayla Pederson, Robert Clark, Marie and Allen Richards, Kaylen and Christopher Nance, Joseph and Katherine Nance, Jason, Sarah, and David Deno, Scott and Tara Mosier and Patrick and Arianne Grandchamp; three great great grandchildren; his brother, Tom (Donna) Wilfong of Escanaba; two sisters, Joyce Borden of Escanaba and Betty Weimer of Jackson, Mich.; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn in1990, step-son Morris Nance in 1975; his second wife, Violet in 2005; his parents; and three sisters, Frances and Mary Wilfong and Eileen Jawson.
The Wilfong family will receive friends on Thursday, March 10, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military rites will be presented at 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Raymond will laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Raymond’s name may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Anonymous
Dear Tom & Donna,We are very sorry to see that your brother Ray has passed away. We hope that you are doing well.
Sincerely,
Bob & Mary Anderson
PS:We have now lived in the same house in Saginaw for more than 20 years.
Bob & Mary Anderson
Saginaw, MI
Bye, Grandpa Ray. Few people get the chance to meet their great-grandparents and I was blessed to know you for almost 28 years. The Christmas photo of you, me, Bobby and Allen is one of my most treasured photos. I will miss you.
Marie Richards
Natchitoches, LA
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Worked with him many years ago……He was a very sweet & gentle man.
Diane McPhee
Naples, FL
I am so sorry to here about Ray’s passing. We always called him “Uncle” Ray. We knew him through Tutti (Evelyn). I will always remember his quiet demeanor and his unique chuckle. Christmas Eve at “our” home and many New Year Day’s dinners while watching the various “bowl” games will always remain embedded in my mind. Thank you Uncle Ray for all of the great memories.
Terry Thompson
Fort Collins, CO
John and I were so very sorry to hear of Mr. Wilfong’s passing. He was such a funny and kind man, He was such a delight and always had a story to tell. God Bless all of you.
John and Sue Pilon
Escanaba–“Lot 11”
Our family will greatly miss Gramps. We enjoyed many of his stories and the twinkle in his eye when he looked at our boys was priceless. Gramps would give our 2 year old, Zach, a cookie and Zach would give Gramps a high-five. So how do you tell a 2 year old that he can’t go visit his beloved Gramps? Zach understands that mom and dad have to go to work. So, we told him that Gramps had to go to work for the Lord. Gramps was going to be one of the Lord’s Angels and we couldn’t go visit him anymore, but he would always watch over us from the sky. Every night when we tuck Zach in bed, we say the “now I lay me down to sleep” prayer and at the end we say, “God Bless Uncle David” ever since Uncle left for Afghanistan. On the night Gramps passed we added “God Bless Gramps” and every night since, Zach says, “Bless Gramps” all on his own after we finish the prayer. Gramps may have left this earth, but memories of him and his stories will live in our hearts forever.
Sara & Jason Deno, Zachary & Jayme
Escanaba, MI
My sincere sympathies to Ray’s family. He was a sweet & gentle man & much loved by all who knew him.
Diane McPhee
Naples, FL
After Evelyn (my mother-in-law) died, we lost contact with Ray, but I thought of him often,wondering how he was doing. He was the most thoughtful, kind man and was always happy. Best father-in-law to me and Grandpa to my kids. We’ve missed him.
Elaine Sams
Trenary, MI
Lew, Marland, Tom, Donna and families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dick & I are in AZ so cannot attend the services. Uncle Ray was a kind and loving man. He made our Aunt Vi happy and fit right into our family.Loved his hugs, they were great. May our Lord Jesus and God our father give him a glorious home in heaven. So Uncle Ray, fly with the butterflies until we meet again. Love Judi & Dick
Judi Good
Escanaba, MI
God Bless you Ray. You was one of the best brother-in-laws one could ask for, always so thoughtful and giving. May you rest in peace.
Bless your immediate family at this time of grieving and give them comfort knowing we are thinking of all of you.
Mr & Mrs Arthur Hoy
Yorktown, IN
Gramps was such a kind gentle man. Loved by all and we will miss him and his life stories. Our sympathy to all the family. He lived a long and awesome life and we are so happy he has been a part of our family for the last 20 yrs.
Troy & Kim Mosier
Escanaba, MI
Grandpa Ray was the best person I have ever known. There will never be another like him. He was not only kind and generous in nature but in his actions as well. Always had a good word to say to you. and that mischievious twinkle in his eyes! Love you my Buddy….
Terie Nance Clark
Pembine, WI
Hi Grandpa! It’s been a long while….Always had great memories of you from my childhood, especially going to the lake!
April
Kenosha, WI
Grandpa Ray you will be deeply missed. I am so glad I found you again in August 2009 after we lost contact when Gramma Evelyn died.
Jean Maki Ramirez
Waukegan, IL