Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Raymond Gene Gunderman, Sr.

AURORA, Ill. - Raymond Gene Gunderman, Sr., 74, of Aurora, Ill., passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at 7:18 p.m.

Ray is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane; his son, Raymond Jr. (Aimee); his daughter, Gina (David) Barcal; his siblings, John Gunderman, Carl Gunderman, Tom Gunderman, Anita Carter, Mary Jane Tremethick and Bill Gunderman; his grandchildren, Heather Picman, Raymond Gunderman III and Sage Larson; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb, Cole and Addison.

Ray was predeceased by his parents, John Wesley and Mary (Capich) Gunderman.

Ray was born in Marenisco, Mich., in 1943. Ray enlisted in the Army and served his country in Korea before returning to the states. While stationed in Savannah, Ill., he met his wife, Jane Stricker. After attending electrician trade school, Ray found his career with Fermilab where he worked as head electrician until he retired in 1998 after 27 years. While working third-shift at Fermilab, Ray found time to purchase Oxie Valley Electric in Aurora where he spent his days working side-by-side with his son, Ray Jr. and eventually, his grandson, Raymond III.

Ray was not just an electrician, he was a jack-of-all trades and built every house he and his family lived in. He was also a teacher by sharing those skills with his brothers, son and anyone else willing to learn. Ray gave to his community by being a volunteer firefighter for the Moecherville Fire Department and donated his pay back to them.

He was always a proud supporter of his hometown of Marenisco. No one can forget Ray's fun and adventurous side, whether he was riding motorcycles, drinking beer, singing and making people laugh, he always enjoyed all those around having a good time right along with him. The impact he has had on his family and friends is beyond measure. His larger-than-life personality, generosity and his willingness to help those in need will be greatly missed.

Damn, he was good.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Marenisco Township Hall.

Memorial donations in Ray's honor can be made to Marenisco Township, P.O. Box 198, Marenisco, MI 49947 to be used for the 4th of July celebrations.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Mich.