Neal Empie

Neal Raymond, age 87, of Sand Lake, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024 at home under the care of his family and Gentiva Hospice. The son of Vern Lyle & Lena Emma (Prins) Empie, he was born on September 15, 1936 in Cedar Springs. He met his future bride out front of Wolverine World Wide, after his Aunt Lorraine Day set them up. On May 5, 1962, in Lakeview, he married his love, Elizabeth C. (Ostrander) Empie, and together they enjoyed almost 62 years of marriage and raised three children. Neal was a devoted husband and father, and a member of the Huggard Bible Church for over 60 years. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, bowling, golf and church softball; however, where his wife, Elizabeth was at, is likely where you'd find Neal. The pair were only separated on bowling and AWANA nights, which happened to be the same night. The longest they’d ever been apart, in fact, were the 16 days since Elizabeth’s passing. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Elizabeth on April 11, 2024; a son-in-law, Ronald Ream; a brother-in-law, Warren Ostrander; and two sisters-in-law, Nancy Miller and Judith Scott. Surviving are his and Elizabeth's three children, Gil & Judy Empie, Betsy & Bill Trowbridge, and Susan Empie; seven grandchildren, Michael & Mary, Jessica, Christine, Victoria & Majid, David & Rachel, Kelly & Jacob, and Julia; eight great-grandchildren, Lily, JJ, Justice, Kaitlyn, Emma, Carson, Ava, and Grace; his brother, Anthony & Pat Empie; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation with the family is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 (one day before Neal & Elizabeth’s 62nd wedding anniversary) at Huggard Bible Church, 8860 21 Mile Road, Sand Lake, where memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, with Pastor Jonathan Clear officiating. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Neal’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Neal Empie, please visit our flower store.