Ray Bauer

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. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ray Bauer, please visit our flower store.