Obituaries

Raymond Alfred Wojnaroski, age 98, of Raber, Michigan, died on October 5, 2026 at home. He was born December 19, 1927, in Raber to Albert and Felicia (Wojciechowski) Wojnaroski.

Raymond lived a long life defined by service, generosity, and the steady strength that made him beloved by everyone who knew him. Known by many as Big Red or Big Wrist, Raymond had a presence that was unmistakable — strong hands, a warm laugh, and a willingness to help anyone who needed it. He was large in life and in heart.

In June 1959, Raymond married Catherine, his partner in all things, and together they raised three children.

Raymond began working at the Cedarville Limestone Quary in 1953, a career briefly paused when he was called to serve his country. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. Upon returning home, he served Chippewa County as Deputy Sheriff for a several years. He also continued his forty-year career in the limestone quarry. He spent most of his time working as a shovel operator with unwavering reliability, retiring exactly forty years from the day he was hired. After Retirement, he also worked as a substitute mail carrier.

His dedication to community ran just as deep. Raymond served as a trustee for Raber Township 1988-96, and the manager of the North Raber Cemetery. He was a lifetime member of the AMVETS, and he enjoyed playing senior citizen softball, where his competitive spirit and humor were always on display. In 2018, he was honored to participate in the Michigan Talons Out Veteran trip to Washington D.C. where he visited the Memorials dedicated to those who served.

At home, Raymond found joy in simple traditions that became part of who he was. He tended a garden every summer and made polish sausage and sauerkraut the old fashion way. He was always ready to lend a hand to neighbors, whether fixing something, offering advice, or showing up exactly when needed. His generosity was not a gesture; it was a way of life. Fishing and hunting were also sports he enjoyed, as was visiting with family or showing anyone around who visited him.

Raymond’s legacy is one of service, strength, and kindness. He worked hard, loved deeply, and lived with a quiet purpose that touched everyone around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but the values he lived by continue on in his family and in the community he faithfully supported.

Raymond is survived by his children, Arlene (Thomas) Matteson, Dale (Margaret) Wojnaroski, and Brenda (Mike) Gross; grandchildren, Keenan (Krystle) Wojnaroski, Alanna Wojnaroski, and Katelyn Lambert; and great-grandchildren, Alex, Oliva, Bella, Kieran, and Kallen.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine, who passed on March 23, 2018; as well as his thirteen siblings and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the agencies that Raymond supported and received support from, Raber AMVETS, Bender Johnson Post 79, P.O. Box 204, Goetzville, MI 49736 or the VA Low Vision Clinic, Battle Creek VISOR (10P4RB), 5500 Armstrong Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037.

Visitation will be held on October 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129, Pickford, MI 49774. The Memorial Service will follow beginning at 3:00 PM.

Raymond's final resting place will be at North Raber Cemetery in Goetzville, Michigan.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.