CHARLES "RAY" VAN BUREN's Obituary
CHARLES “ RAY” VAN BUREN, age 88 of Skanee, passed away Friday, April 20,2012 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI. He had been a patient for 2 weeks. Ray was born in L’Anse on February 23, 1924, son of the late Willard and Edith (Rehn) VanBuren. He was raised in Skanee and graduated from L’Anse High School in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army in 1944, was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and wounded in action. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. He received several other commendations. Following his discharge, Ray worked as a heavy equipment operator in the logging industry. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the Baraga County Road Commission.. In 1954, he married the former Arline McDonald in L’Anse. Ray was a member of the D.A.V., the L’Anse Post #3897 V.F.W., and the Arvon Twp. Fire Dept. He enjoyed trapping, dog sledding, cross-country and down hill skiing, hunting, gardening and raising animals.
Ray is survived his loving wife, Arline, sons Timothy, Clint (Jane), Clay, Warren (Cindy), all of Skanee, Mark (Cathy) of Lakeside, CA. daughter Vanessa (Tim) Houle of Skanee, stepchildren Doris, Wayne and Jennie. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and several great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by a grandson, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.
Funeral services for Mr. VanBuren were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Judy Mattson officiating. Friends called at the funeral chapel Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 6 until 8 p.m. and for 1 hour before the service on Thursday. Interment took place at the Skanee Cemetery where the veterans of Baraga County, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444 conducted military honors. A luncheon followed at the Zion Lutheran Church in Skanee.
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