Ray D. Van Zandt
February 21, 2008

Ray Daniel Van Zandt, 61, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2008 in Battle Creek. He was born December 4, 1946 in Battle Creek, MI the son of Warren E. Van Zandt and Doris May (Porlier) Van Zandt.

Ray had worked under the name of Van Zandt and Associates; appraising homes and properties since 1990. He had also worked for Tabor Appraisal as an independent contractor. He sold real estate through Pearse Realty for 18 years and previously worked for Consumers Power as a dispatcher for four years.

He was formerly married to Karen Louise Ratzow in Battle Creek on October 4, 1969. Ray is survived by a loving family including his father: Warren Van Zandt of Battle Creek; two daughters: Jennifer & David Grace of Vicksburg; Sarah & John Boven of Kalamazoo; three sisters: Donna & Joe Jurs of Rockledge, FL; Jill & Mike Forshey and Sue & Fred Bachman of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren: Jordan, Shelby & Casey Grace of Vicksburg; Lucas and Sadie Boven of Kalamazoo; Ellah and Garrison Bliler of Battle Creek; one niece: Marcie Bowman of Las Cruces, NM; two nephews: Craig Bowman of Los Angeles, CA; Matthew Corrigan & Katy Johnson of Grand Rapids; and long time friend Sharon Gilkison of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by his mother in 2004.

Ray was a lifelong Battle Creek resident and graduated in 1965 from Lakeview High School where he participated in wrestling, swimming and golf. He attended KCC and was a licensed Realtor and certified general appraiser.

Ray was active in Cub Scout Pack 5 and in 1961 earned his Eagle Scout rank through Boy Scout Troop 5 where he was an active member of the Order of the Arrow. He was also a camp counselor at Camp T. Ben Johnson.

Ray regularly attended St. Joseph Catholic Church and served as an Altar Boy when he was young. He was an honorary member of the Battle Creek Jaycees. When he was younger he enjoyed bowling and was an active golfer. He also enjoyed reading. He cherished all the special moments with his daughters, his family and especially parties for the grandchildren. He seemed to know everyone in town and always had a tremendous smile and story.

Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service after 12 noon Sunday, where the family will be present from 1-3 and 5-7pm. A Rosary service will be held at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel. Mass of Christian Burial to commemorate Ray's life will be 10:00 am Monday, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. John Fleckenstein officiating. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to Alzheimer's Diseases Association or National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service.

Thanks to Jack Hubbard, Judy VandeVrede and Fred Bachman for memorial contributions.