Raymond Lindgren

Obituary of Raymond John Lindgren Hancock Raymond J. Lindgren, 80, a resident of Finn Street, Hancock, passed away on the early evening of Sunday, December 24, 2006, at the Portage Health System, after a one day stay. Raymond was born on January 27, 1926, in the Superior Mine Location, a son of Jacob and Hilda (Ollila) Lindgren. He attended the Isle Royal School, in Dodgeville, and also attended the Houghton High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Ray was overseas in the South Pacific on the LST 1015. During his service Ray was presented with several metals of honor. Ray was proud to be a Veteran. Mr. Lindgren was a community minded person. In the earlier years Ray was a very active member and past Commander of the VFW Portage Post 1292, Houghton, and currently is a member of Ranger Post #6165 VFW of South Range. He was a member of the Alfred Erickson Post 186, American Legion of Hancock. He belonged to the U. S. LST Association. Ray was a member and served as secretary for a great number of years for the NAMI, (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). His dedication to this organization heightened the awareness and support of Mental Illness in the Upper Peninsula. He was a true advocate for this organization. He was a member of the AARP and also volunteered to deliver meals for the Little Brother Organization. He was a member of the St. Matthews Lutheran Church, currently Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock. Ray was a choir member for many years and also served as secretary, for five years, on the Executive Board of the Men's Fellowship Club of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hancock. Ray helped build the Mohawk School and the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Many remember Ray working as the "milkman" years ago, for the Bancroft Dairy, in Hancock. He was also an underwriter for the Combined Insurance Company of America, Chicago, Illinois. Ray also held custodial/maintenance positions for a variety of local businesses, in November of 2002 he retired after 30 years at the Michigan Employment Security Commission working as a custodian/maintenance person. While employed at the Ely and Walker Dress Factory, in Houghton, he met his wife. On September 2, 1948, he married Margaret Elenich, of Rambletown. Ray's Finnish heritage was shared through his stories and his wonderful humor was always welcomed by family, friends, and even strangers. He truly had a gift for sharing and helping others. Playing Santa for the last 30 years, not only brought him happiness, but also brought joy and the Christmas spirit to numerous individuals in the nursing homes within our area. He loved serenading his wife, Margaret, while playing the piano and singing their favorite hymns and old-time songs. In Ray's earlier years, listening to music on the radio while taking relaxing rides with his family brought him great contentment. Ray enjoyed and loved entertaining others, especially his grandchildren, with his clever and witty props and stories. The children would be fascinated with their papa every time, even if they had seen it multiple times before. Ray was a proud "papa." Every morning Ray would check the present temperature, and peer out the window, to share the weather forecast. He also had a passion for feeding and watching the birds that gathered outside his kitchen window. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son John, and 9 brothers and sisters, Viola, Adaline, Matt, Elizabeth, Wilbert, Evelyn, Violet Kemppainen, Calvin, and Lahja Jean Schaaf. Survivors include: his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret and three children, Ivy (Ralph) Heikka of Plymouth, Wisconsin, Thomas (Debbie) Lindgren of L'Anse, and Catherine (Steve) Jordan of Plymouth, Wisconsin. Eight Grandchildren: Tina (George) Lahti of L'Anse, Jason (Angie) Lindgren of Kincheloe, Michigan, Andrew Lindgren of L'Anse, Zachary, Adam, and Austin Jordan of Plymouth, Wisconsin, Amy (Frank) McBride of Denver, Colorado, and Donald Heikka of Denver, Colorado. Seven Great Grandchildren: Trystan and Kolby Lahti of L'Anse, Brenden, Anna, and Carter Lindgren of Kincheloe, Michigan, and Griffin and Kylie Heikka of Denver, Colorado. Brother-in-law: Frank Elenich of Calumet. Ray had a close friend, Willie, a miniature schnauzer that also brought him much happiness. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services for Ray will be held 2 P.M. Saturday December 30, 2006, in the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Revs. Susan Odegard and Jimalee Jones to officiate. Spring Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Visitation will be held Friday, December 29, 2006, in the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of services at the church. Range Post #6165 V.F.W. of South Range will hold military rites on Friday, December 29, 2006, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home and on Saturday the Alfred Erickson Post #186 American Legion of Hancock will hold Military rites immediately following the services at the church. The family of Ray Lindgren wishes to say thank you to the physicians and their caring staff for the support given to Ray at Portage Health System and Marquette General Hospital. A warm heartfelt thank you to Pastor Jimalee Jones for her visits and prayers. Special gratitude and thanks to the many staff members, especially on the third floor, of the Houghton County Medical Care Facility for their caring and compassionate support during Ray's nine month stay. The family also wishes to thank close family and friends for their support that has been given so gracefully throughout the years, also to the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. He will be missed by all who he touched. Ray always said his favorite Finnish phrase when saying good-bye, "Herran Haltuun" (May You Be In the Lords Keeping) To view Ray's Obituary or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Raymond Lindgren, please visit Tribute Store