of Chelsea, MI, age 91, entered into his heavenly rest through faith in Christ Jesus Friday, March 7, 2014 at Chelsea Community Hospital. He was born August 14, 1922 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Lewis H. & Laura C. (Gutekunst) Egeler. The Holy Spirit claimed him as a child of God through Holy Baptism, October 29, 1922.
Ray lived over 6 decades in Scio Township. He was employed with King -Seely during WWII. He was discovered by Italian master tiler Louie Tramontine while doing fieldstone work at the Doc Davis Farm. After 7 years of hard apprenticeship, he earned his Master Tile Layers card in 1949. Egeler’s Ceramic Tile was established, becoming one of the best tile layers with work widely and well known even at Mission Point on Mackinaw Island and as far away as his daughter’s in Hawaii. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gathering fresh foods, while sharing his skills with his family. Raymond had survived many cancer operations; he was still driving, and taking extended daily walks. His stories and wine making will be greatly missed.
Married devoted loving wife Dorothy K. Zahn on June 23, 1951. In their life together, they were regular and active members of St. Thomas Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on February 27, 2005. Survivors include a son, Timothy (Francine) Egeler of Dexter; three daughters, Violet (Larry) DeSmither of Keaau Hawaii, Rosemary Greenway of Keaau, Hawaii, Iris (Vic) Klotz of Brooklyn; 9 grandchildren, Lance & Liliana DeSmither, Katherine & Matthew Greenway, Jacob, Julia & Madelyn Egeler, Harley & Holly Shelhart; 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, Erwin (Ann) Egeler of Dexter; a sister, May Hardy of Ann Arbor; a sister-in-law Barbara Egeler; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Edwin, and Douglas Egeler.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 13, 10:30 am at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, with Rev. Charles Schulz officiating. Burial followed at St. Thomas Lutheran Cemetery. The family received friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Tuesday 6-9 pm, Wednesday 2-4 & 6-9 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Lutheran Church.