Raymond Ihrcke

On Monday, August 12th, 2019 at Age 89, Ray passed peacefully into the arms of his savior with his loving wife by his side. Ray was born on December 11, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Paul and Ella (Schwarzkopf) Ihrcke. On June 2, 1989, he married Jerre Gilbert Beattie who survives him. Ray and Jerre loved going on cruises, especially in the Caribbean. They also enjoyed travel in general. Ray was an active member of Portage United Church of Christ, where he served as head usher for 30 years as well as in many other capacities. He loved his church. Ray was always the first to lend a helping hand whenever he could and would frequently ask his family, "What did you do today to help someone?" He lived by the philosophy, "All are welcome." Ray proudly served his nation in the U. S. Army. One of his most memorable days was the day he took the honor flight to Washington, D.C. Ray graduated from Illinois State Normal University and ran his own advertising specialty business, Business Promotions, in Kalamazoo for over 30 years. He will be remembered by his grandchildren for his beautiful gift of the book he made for each of them entitled "Letters from Grandpa" which outlined his legacy and contained 37 life lessons. Besides his love for his grandchildren, he had an affection for dogs, especially his grand-dogs. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Steve (Kathy) Ihrcke of Cedarburg, WI, Julie Crease of Dayton, OH, Sue (Matt) Berry of Oconomowoc, WI; step-son, Tom (Kathleen) Sigvaldson of Baldwin City, KS, 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Lucy Ihrcke; a brother, Paul Ihrcke, a sister, Mildred Reyna and a step-son Scott Sigvaldson. The family is planning a "Celebration of his life" to be held at Ray's church, Portage United Church of Christ, 2731 W Milham Ave, Portage, MI, on Sunday, September 15th at 12:30 p.m. It was Ray's wish that in his memory his family and friends would perform a random act of kindness today and every day. Memorial contributions may be made to Animals Best Friend, c/o of the funeral home. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com