Obituary of Raymond VanEekhoutte
Raymond John VanEekhoutte was born on August 21, 1925 in Frenchtown Township. He was one of eight children born from the union of the late Remi and Florida (Laub) VanEekhoutte. After high school, Raymond, would honorably serve our great nation in the United States Army during WWII.
Raymond was no stranger to hard work. He retired after thirty years from GM Powertrain and was crop farmer most of his life. He also enjoyed his time away from the farm and he engaged in many hunting trips with several friends and family members. Gun-collecting, fishing, traveling, and hunting were favorite pastimes. An excellent sharpshooter he had amassed a vast collection of antlers of which his family intended to mount. Raymond also took the opportunity occasionally to fish, casting a line in the water at his property in Hudson, Michigan.
Raymond enjoyed Ballroom dancing. It was during this activity that he met his second wife, Joyce. The couple would dance many nights away at the Commodore Perry in Downtown Toledo and other events they were invited to.
Raymond John VanEekhoutte, age 95, of Erie passed away at Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Lambertville on Sunday February 7, 2021. In addition to his parents passing, he was preceded by both of his wives: Wanda (Armstrong) and Joyce (Conine); and five siblings: Calvin VanEeckhoutte, Leah Duane, Vivien Boberg, Ivy Larrow and Alma Kroh.
To cherish his memory, he leaves one brother: Doyal (Rosabelle) VanEeckhoutte; one sister: Virginia Rohn; a great-nephew: Aaron (Jennifer) VanEeckhoutte; and many other nephews, nieces, and friends.
Friends may gather on Wednesday; February 10, 2021 from 1:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Worship Service Celebrating His Life at 11:00am on Thursday; February 11, 2021, at Zion United Methodist Church, 1607 Yargerville Road, LaSalle. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park where graveside services will be under the auspices of the Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3925.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the State of Michigan’s mandates, guests will be limited in number and face coverings are required to enter the building.
Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or to share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
