Raymond A. Garnaat

Raymond Garnaat led a life saturated with honesty, integrity and respect. He served his country as a courageous soldier, his community as a respected businessman, and his family as a loving and devoted husband, brother, uncle and friend. A humble and private man, Raymond was one of those quiet heroes, whose great deeds were softly given to the people fortunate enough to have him in their lives. 1916 was a year full of excitement on all fronts. In science, Albert Einstein had just completed his theory of relativity, and in entertainment, Charlie Chaplin signed a contract for an unprecedented $10,000 per week. On the political scene, World War I continued to rage through the cities of Europe. Amidst all of these events, Martin Garnaat and his wife, Ethel (Burrington), of Muskegon, Michigan, were delighted in welcoming the birth of their first child, son Raymond, on May 11, 1916. He was later joined by his sister, Elsie, who completed the Garnaat family. Ray spent his growing up years in the Muskegon area, where his parents owned and operated a florist shop. Ray's father died when he was young, and his mother later married Oscar Agnew. Over time, he and Oscar fostered a great relationship, and Ray worked with him on his chicken farm. After this line of work, Ray swore off eating chicken for the rest of his life. A few years after graduating from Muskegon Heights High School, Ray met the love of his life, Andelene Schrebe. The two fell hopelessly in love and were married on June 29, 1940. The newlyweds didn't have much time together after saying I do, for Ray had followed the same patriotic calling of many other young man of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army and soon left for infantry boot camp. He proudly and courageously served during the Normandy invasion and The Battle of the Bulge. For a period of about six months, Ray was missing in action, but had managed to find his way back to his company, going from foxhole to foxhole. He had also been wounded in combat, and taken shrapnel to his back. Thankfully, in 1946, Ray made it safely back to the states and home to his bride. Immediately after his honorable discharge, Ray and Andelene moved to Asbury, Indiana, where they officially settled down to married life together. While here, Ray taught woodworking and leatherwork for three years. The couple then moved back to Muskegon, where Ray found work with Shawbox Craneworks and he later started a catalog company called Varsity Wholesalers. For thirty years, he successfully operated his company and was a respected businessman in his community. Outside of work, Ray and Andelene enjoyed many leisure activities together. He was an excellent fiddle player and even had his own band, so it was only natural that the couple loved to square dance. He later traded in his fiddle for the harmonica and did well at it too. The couple also enjoyed the great outdoors and they were avid campers. Their camping adventures first started in a truck camper, which later graduated to a fifth wheel and finally a motor home. Some of their best times were spent in Pioneer Park in Muskegon with their good friends, the Fielstras. (In 1956, Andelene changed her name to Ann). During the Michigan winters, Ray and Ann began going south for warmer weather in Florida and Arizona. Ray was always a hard worker, yet was very frugal-minded with his money. However, he loved his "big boy toys", which included his large pleasure boat and private airplane, which he piloted himself. He was also a former Captain of the Civil Air Patrol. Ray took great pride in being an American veteran and every year he honored the many fallen soldiers by dropping a wreath in Lake Michigan. A very humble man, he never spoke of his military combat. Instead, he showed his patriotism serving as a lifetime member of the Fruitport V.F.W. and D.A.V. Above all else, Ray was immensely devoted to his beloved wife, Ann. For their 65th wedding anniversary, the couple took a romantic ride on the Ferry across the Lake Michigan to Wisconsin, and then returned to a surprise party at Sam's Joint. Sadly, Ann was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and they both went to live in a nursing home, where she could receive the care she needed. Although Ray hated being there, he wanted even more to be with his beloved Ann. All who knew Ray will treasure his memory. Raymond A. Garnaat, age 90, of North Shore, MI, died Wednesday, December 13, 2006. He is survived by his wife, Andelene (Ann), of Muskegon; brother-in-law, George Neuman, of Muskegon; cousin, Marie Garnaat, of Florida; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and good friends, Ron and Beth Forteir of Indiana. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elsie Neuman. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Church officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, one hour prior to the service at Trinity Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or DAV. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook. Clock Life Story Funeral Home.