Mr. Raymond S. Walenga

June 18, 1929 - September 23, 2020

Mr. Raymond S. Walenga, age 91, of Grand Rapids passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2020 peacefully at home with family. He joins his wife of 59 years, Irene C. Walenga (Neithoefer) in heaven with their Lord God. Their marriage was of a very deep CATHOLIC faith. Together they raised a large family full of love, humor and acceptance. He was preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters and son-in-law. He will be fondly remembered by his children; Craig (Joanne) Walenga, Kathy Toczydlowski (Walenga) , Ken (Charlene), Mary Cassleman (Chris), Judy Campbell (Harold), Therese Harper (Joe), Stephanie Minnema (Roger), Martin, Elizabeth Gryka (Bill), Sharon Maynard (Sam), Margaret Garcia (Al), Amy Dineen (Fugan) , his 27 grandchildren , 31 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ray worked in the Plating Rack business for most of his life and Westside Beer in his later years. He was a down to earth, even tempered, family man who loved good humor, and teasing the grandchildren. He loved all sports, was a lifelong White Sox and Notre Dame fan. Eagerly he followed all of his grandchildren’s sporting activities. He enjoyed fishing especially for those “blue gills”. Cribbage was the card game he taught and encouraged in the family. There was always a tournament being held with the kids. Most of all Ray found and gave much joy sharing in his family’s accomplishments. His smiling face and the crazy hats he wore will be sincerely missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 3, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Alphonsus Church, presider Msgr. Ed Hankiewicz. Visitation will take place one hour before the mass at the church with a rosary being said prior to visitation. Entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions may be made to Catherine’s Care Center or the Missionaries of Charity.