Raymond E. Nelson, age 89, died peacefully Friday, October 12, 2018 with his family by his side. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on March 7, 1929 to the late Ernest and Blanche (Piotrowski) Nelson. Ray graduated in the Class of 1947 from St. Mary’s High School.
Ray honorably served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army when he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He married Mary Lou Connell on May 22, 1954 at St. James Catholic Church. Ray was a lifelong member of All… Read More » Saints Parish (St. James Church) who served his parish for over 50 years as a dedicated member of the Usher’s Club and Altar Society.
He coordinated the bingos for the church’s Shamrock Club and was on the United Bay City Credit Union Board for several years, and a member of U.A.W. Local #362. Ray retired as a tool and die maker from Bay City Chevrolet Powertrain on March 1, 1993 after 44 years of service. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, lawn mowing, small engine repair and working in his garage.
Ray’s family and the Catholic Church were the center of his life as a good and faithful servant to the Lord. Leaving to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Lou; six children: Mary (Michael) Daly of Saginaw, David (Barbara) Nelson of Essexville, Kathleen (Charles) Vigneaux of Bay City, Sharon (Michael) Mitchell of Mahtomedi, MN, Joanne (William) Gohr of Gastonia, NC, and Maureen (Michael) Raclawski of Algonquin, IL; 20 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; five sisters: Arlene Swiercz, Armeda (Forrest) Heatley of Royal Oak, Veronica Rousse, Mary Jane Norman, Patricia Nelson and one brother-in-law John Norman; many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his two brothers: August Bernard and John Nelson, sisters: Barbara Norman and Thelma Bond; brothers-in-law: Duane Rousse, Walter Swiercz, and Frederick Bond.
Raymond’s family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff at A & D Hospice for their compassionate and loving care. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at All Saints Parish-St. James Church, 710 Columbus Avenue, Bay City, MI. with Rev.
Fr. Jose Maria Cabrera presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Army and Bay County Veterans Council.
Since Ray was a faithful steward of his gifts, contributions may be designated for the Langley Hall Fund at All Saints Parish in lieu of flowers. The Legion of Mary will pray the rosary Monday at 2:00 pm followed by the Vigil Prayer Service at 7:00 pm in the Trahan Chapel. Visiting hours with the family are Monday from 2:00 to 8:00 pm at the W. A. Trahan Funeral Chapel and in church on Tuesday after 10:00 am until the time of the Liturgy.
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