Raymond William Dobson

Raymond William Dobson, 99, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born July 30, 1917 in Traverse City to Roy and Katherine (Fifarek) Dobson. He served in the US Army from 1941 to 1945 during World War II as a tank commander with the 1st Armored Division that saw action in the invasion of Africa and Italy. In 1945, Ray married Margaret (Antony) Dobson; they were happily married for 64 years. Ray worked at the Railway Express Office in Traverse City for 39 years, until retirement. He was a member of the Cherryland VFW and American Legion and was on the board of Directors of the East Traverse Catholic Federal Credit Union for 46 years.

He and Margaret visited all of the lower forty-eight states and Hawaii, combining their love for travel with the Annual 1st Armored Division Reunion. They would attend spring training in Florida, whenever possible since he was a lifelong Tiger fan. They enjoyed square dancing most of their married life, and eating out whenever possible. Some of their favorite places included Mackinac City and Sault Ste. Marie. He was a very easy person to get to know, caring deeply for his family, going to the Casino to people watch and had a nick-name for just about everyone he met.

He is survived by his dedicated daughter Janice Jachalke; son Randy Dobson; sister Mary Lou Kaley; his grandchildren: Cathleen Gullett, Cari Wells, Kevin Dobson, and Bill Jachalke; son-in-law (and son-in-spirit) David Flynn, and great-grandaughters: Olivia Cox and Avery Wells; special niece Sandy Kilmer; and nephews Jim Trnka and Dave Kaley.

Ray is also survived in everlasting memory by many who will remember him for his kind heart and sense of humor. Those who knew Ray consistently describe him as a kind hearted, "heart of gold", man. He loved his family, his country, and thoroughly enjoyed life.

Ray is preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret, and eldest daughter, Jerrine (Dobson) Flynn; infant sister Jerrine Alice Dobson; sister Helen Trnka; and son-in-law Nelson Jachalke.

Words cannot accurately, and completely, summarize the life of someone who was so wonderful, loving, soft spoken, and kind hearted. He lived a long and fulfilling life, and leaves a deep sadness as someone who touched many lives. His family and friends wish him peace as he returns to his wife and daughter, and awaits the reunion of all his loved ones. We know that his legacy continues in the life and spirit of those here on Earth.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Nancy Harris of Munson Medical Center Heart Failure Clinic; Carol Popa and Comfort Keepers for his long term care; Carrie Coger and Donna Bruneel of Munson Medical Center Home Care for all of the special care and attention they took with Ray; and Ethan Vantil, MD and James Mackenzie, MD for their long term care, support and compassion.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 16, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Father Ken Stachnik will officiate the service.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy may direct contributions to VFW Cherryland Post #2780, 3400 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684 or The Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI 49686.

We love you—always and forever.