Raymond "Ray" Robert Dempz's Obituary
On June 3, 2024, Raymond Robert Dempz passed away gently, in the same manner he lived his life. Born on the 4th of February to Harry and Stella Dempz in 1938, Ray grew up in the heyday of Detroit. He loved his upbringing and remained in Warren through his 30-year working career with General Motors.
Ray and his first wife had 5 children. Ray cherished spending time with his family by planning outings such as drives through Belle Isle, going to the Detroit Zoo, ice skating at night, apple picking, numerous camping trips and family picnics. For extended family and friends, Ray created and coordinated an annual Canoe Trip. It stared out with 4 families and rapidly grew to over 200 people. He continued to create memories with his grandchildren through the years.
He married Colleen Anderson in 1986, after meeting through a mutual friend. Together they merged their families and matched their mutual love of the outdoors by their avid camping, creating lifelong memories and traditions. Ray kept up with his children and activities by keeping the clocks for Warren Woods-Tower schools sports, a skill he carried with him through retirement.
Following retirement, Ray and Colleen came to Stanwood and made their home, immersing themselves in rural life. Ray quickly became the favored clock keeper for Chippewa Hills sports and mastered the art for 25 more years. He also indulged in his favorite pastime, model trains, and eagerly showed his collection to anyone who cared to inquire, his intricate rails on display. Ray had an incredible sense of humor, so dry that sometimes only the glint in his eye gave him away before his laughter became contagious. He was known far and wide for his ‘grandpa jokes’.
Never one to stay stagnant, Ray was involved in his community both at play through his frequent golfing and love of ping-pong, or the work he could volunteer for in his steadfast devotion to St. Michael’s. All in all, his love of his family and Christ shined in everything he took on. He will be dearly missed.
Left to carry on his memory are his beloved wife, Colleen; Children, Ray (Corinne) Dempz, Ken Dempz (Greig & Shawn), James Dempz, Laura (Pat) Wyman, and Mark Dempz; Stepchildren, Don Wolfe, Dawn (Robert) Bennett, Carol (Ann Silverman) Wolfe, Karen (Terry) Lang, and Paul (Stacy Wolfe); Brother Charles (Julia) Dempz; Sister, Barbara Wlodek; 24 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11am. Visitation will be Sunday, June 9 from 4p-6pm with a scripture reading at 6pm; And again, one hour prior to the funeral Mass from 10am-11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be directed to God’s Helping Hands or St. Michael building fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.
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