Obituary of Raymond VanWasshnova

Raymond Anthony VanWasshnova was born in Wyandotte on July 27, 1954. He was one of seven children born from the union of the late Frank Merl VanWasshnova and the late Margaret (Bodenmiller) Bluenstein. He grew up on the family farm helping his mother can and garden. Raymond graduated from Jefferson High School lettering in wrestling and football. He married the love of his life, the former Patricia Katherine Brazill on May 8, 1976. Raymond attended Eastern Michigan University for two years and worked in quality control for Bio-Vac, Inc. retiring in 1995. Raymond attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Rockwood. He was quiet and peaceful, always shying away from the limelight. Raymond was known for strong convictions and beliefs and was well loved. He enjoyed helping others being active in AA community helping others on their path to sobriety and when his children were young serving as baseball commissioner for South Rockwood. Raymond was a loyal and loving husband to his wife and a proud father to his children. Even being athletic, Raymond was accident prone using all of his nine lives. He loved riding motorcycles and was great with his hands; building his own home, and was proud of his tool collection. Raymond loved his black coffee and biscuits and gravy. He was a grill master with ribs being his specialty. Raymond Anthony VanWasshnova, age 59 of South Rockwood, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at his home. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a stepfather: Julius Bluestein To cherish his memory, Raymond leaves his beloved wife of thirty-seven years: Patricia; daughter: Nicole (Brent) Pulido of Canton; sons: Raymond Matthew (Leonora) VanWasshnova and Matthew Ryan (Stacy) VanWasshnova both of Canton; sisters: Elaine (Bob) Zembiec of Tennessee and Joanie (Bernie) Belisle of Wyandotte; brothers: Richard (Diane), Charlie (Doris), Carl (Jeanie), and Keith VanWasshnova; grandchildren: Colsen, Thayer, Nixon, Nolan, and Reed. Friends may gather from 5:00-8:00pm on Saturday, April 12, 2014 and from 2:00-8:00pm on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state at St. Anne's Catholic Church from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Monday, April 14, 2014. Procession will follow to Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown. Memorials are suggested to Young At Heart AA in Brownstown c/o Faith Lutheran Church 25435 Arsenal Road in Flat Rock. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.