Ray II

Ray Francis Kirkpatrick II was born in Kalamazoo on October 17, 1960; he passed from this earthly life to his eternal home with Jesus on September 19, 2010. He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Diane Kirkpatrick; his children: Melanie Rae Fassbender (Eric), Michael Gabriel Kirkpatrick, and Esther Rose Kirkpatrick. He is also survived by his brother and closest friend, Scott (Karen) Kirkpatrick; two sisters, Eileen (Bill) Burns and Denise (John) Schafer; aunts, Marcella Bozung, Helen Parsons, and Sue Bassett; uncle, John Bassett; many nephews, nieces, cousins, and good friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Jeannette Vos; brother Richard Kirkpatrick; uncles, Joseph Bozung and Ralph Parsons; his grandparents, Helen and Harold Platt.

Ray graduated from Holt High School, Class of 1978. He was previously employed by Beurmann-Marshall Corporation and Michigan Millers Insurance Company.

Ray was employed at Michigan Farm Bureau in Lansing. He had close friendships with many of his co-workers, and he often spoke of the great people that he worked for and with. Steve Paradiso, Jeff Sipe, and Jeff Berry, just to name a few, were some of his good friends at Michigan Farm Bureau.

Ray's family will receive family and friends at the Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel, 2057 N. Lansing Street, St. Johns, on Tuesday, September 21 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes St. Johns Chapel on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. Mr. Richard Koutz, Ray's close friend and minister, will be officiating at the service. His body will be buried at the Lowe Cemetery in Essex Township following the service.

The family would like to express great gratitude for all the prayer, love, and support that they have received during his illness. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Read Ray Kirkpatrick II's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.