Raymond A. Anders

Raymond A. Anders Battle Creek Raymond A. Anders, age 87, of Battle Creek, died Thursday, September 25, 2008 at Battle Creek Health Systems. He was born October 8, 1920 in Berwyn, Illinois, the son of John and Anna Anders. He was employed by Eaton Manufacturing for 32 years retiring in 1982 as a machine operator. Ray Anders was a United States Army World War II veteran. Ray served in the 254th Combat Engineers Battalion as a medic for four years. His overseas record was Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia where he earned a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for Gallantry in action at Wallendorf, Germany. He also won the American Defense Service Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze District Unit Badge, 6 Service Stripes, 3 Battle Stars, one each for serving at the Belgium Bilge, Normandy Beachhead, and Saint Lo, a Sharp Shooter Medal, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. Ray's rank was Staff Sergeant. He separated from his unit August 1, 1945 at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. Ray belonged to the VFW Post 565, Marshall Moose #676, Eaton Retirees Association, 107th Engineer Association, and Burnam Brook Senior Center. He loved to dance, listen to Big Band tapes, garden, socialize with people, and was an avid sports fan of basketball, baseball, and football. Ray is survived by his children: Irene Caroselli of Stevensville, MI, Lorraine (Carl) Kieser of Sebewing, MI, and Roger Anders of Pleasant Prairie, WI; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Virginia; his companion of 20 years, Ardis James; 3 brothers Adolph, Antone, and John Anders; one sister: Irene Anders; his parents; a grandson: Andrew Joseph Caroselli; son-in-law: Louis Caroselli; and his daughter-in-law: Pamela Anders. A celebration of Ray's life will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Royal Funeral Home, Battle Creek with the Reverend Sueann Hagan officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 2-6 p.m. Burial will be in Ft. Custer Nation Cemetery, Augusta. Memorials in Ray's name may be directed to Baseline United Methodist Church Children's Library Fund and envelopes are available at the funeral home.