Raymond Edmund Schmitzer

Raymond E. Schmitzer, 95 of Battle Creek died peacefully at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence with his loving family at his side on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

Ray was born August 2, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Harry Frank and Florence Catherine (Burfening) Schmitzer. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1941 graduate of St. Philip High School. Immediately after high school, Ray proudly served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army Air Force 1942-45. He served in Italy with the 15th Air Force. When he returned home, Ray attended Michigan State University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and earned a 2 year degree in Business. He then earned a 2 year certificate through Coyne Electrical School (Chicago) in Radio & TV Electronics. Ray was employed for 11 years with the TV Trading Post. He was most proud of his 25 year career in Instrument Repair at the Kellogg Company, retiring in 1986 and was a member of the distinguished 25 Year Club. Upon retirement, Ray and his wife Suzie enjoyed many winters in Lakeland, FL and summer vacations with family in Pentwater, MI.

Raymond E. Schmitzer was united in marriage to Mary Suzanne Smith on June 20, 1959 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Marshall. Surviving are Suzanne (Suzie), his wife of 59 years; son, Michael James (Margie Kipp) Schmitzer of Battle Creek; daughter, Linda Kay (Joseph) Tuttle of Atlanta, GA; two grandchildren, Jacob and Lauren Tuttle; brother-in-law, Carlo Contardo of Nashville, TN; sister-in-law, Elly Schmitzer of North Carolina; special friends and in-laws, Ted and Judie Tuttle of Battle Creek and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Dorothy Durbin Breitenbach, Harriet Contardo; and three brothers, Alvin (Jean), Robert and Norman (Maxine) Schmitzer.

Ray had a very strong catholic faith, was a devoted member of St. Philip Catholic Church his entire life. He was active as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served the parish in many ways, including working as head electrician during Entertainment Days. Ray was inducted into the St. Philip Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in 2001. He was known to his family and friends as "Mr. Fix-It" always happy to help anyone in need, as a loving gesture, expecting nothing in return. Ray and his son enjoyed an interest in the hobby of model trains. He was an avid reader, loved history, was blessed with a remarkable memory, humor and a quick wit. Ray will be remembered as a kind, gentle and sweet man who loved spending time with his family, extended family, many life-long friends and especially his grandchildren, Jake and Lauren, who was their beloved "Papa". He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Military honors and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Parish or the BCACS Foundation. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.