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Raymond Schairer Obituary
Age 89, died Saturday, September 17, 2011 at his home in the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born January 11, 1922 in Scio Township, the son of Arthur G. and Anna M. (Hinderer) Schairer. Ray was a retired farmer and was a member of the Washtenaw County Farm Bureau. He was a 4-H leader in Washtenaw County for over 55 years. While farming, he was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, and the Michigan Animal Breeders Corporation. Ray volunteered at the Chelsea Retirement Community, was a very active member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church, and was inducted into the Dexter High School Hall of Fame. Ray made between 30-40,000 "bones" and played them. He joined the writing club at Chelsea Retirement Community, and had his book "Barefoot Boy" published. On September 2, 1950, Raymond married Jane Lenore Schlosser in Chelsea, and she survives. Other survivors include one brother, Lloyd (Marie) Schairer of Long Island, New York; one sister, Marjorie A. Dew of Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, John Dew. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Friday, September 23 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 24, 10:30 a.m. at the Chelsea First United Methodist Church with Reverend Joy Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. A second memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2:00 p.m. at the Chelsea Retirement Community Chapel, with Reverend Cathy Rafferty officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Arbor Hospice, or Chelsea Retirement Community.
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Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Schairer
Cathy Muha
September 24, 2011
Jane, you and Ray were always so central to the church. I loved Ray's book, and told him so when I ran into him at Polly's one day. What a wonderful man!
Will Johnson
September 24, 2011
Jane: Ray was a wonderful person; he shall be missed. I am happy for all the wonderful years you enjoyed together.
September 24, 2011
Jane, I met Ray Schairer at a methodist men;s breakfest in chelsea a few years ago and had a pleasent conversation about the Schairer family history. it was a very enjoyable day! Dennis Schairer
September 24, 2011
Jane, May the Spirit hold you in love and know that we wrap our caring around you and send our love.
Pat and Tom Schomaker
Sandy and john Sayer
September 23, 2011
Dear jane, we are so sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful, creative, and generous man. His ending to sermons will stay in my heart forever. Amen ray amen.
Melissa Stapish
September 22, 2011
I have known the Schairer's all my life. They were our lardlord, neighbor, friend, and 4H leader. I have many wonderful memories of them both. Making ice cream in their driveway after a bbq, running around on the farm and many more. I still have every piece I made in 4H. I have to say I hated listening to the classical music in his shop when I was younger, but over the last tens years of my life I found out why he enjoyed it so much. Mr. and Mrs. Schairer have a special place in my heart. Love you both.
Michal Ann Benedict Enders
September 22, 2011
It was a blessing to know Ray. When I was very little 4 or 5 - Ray made me a doll cradle for my dolls then, but full size so I could rock my child in it - and I did. Hayrides at the farm in the fall, singing around a campfire, a welcoming smile and hug at church...all well chrished memories that have enriched my life.
September 21, 2011
Ray was the personification of the word, gentle-man--loving nature, helping others, caring deeply for what it means to be a farmer, a leader, a friend. I am so grateful for how he (and Jane) enriched my life with their friendship. Martha L. Smith, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Susan Falcone
September 21, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about Ray--I knew Ray from the Webster Fall Festival and the Dexter Pioneer Art Show, where we both exhibited our work. He was always smiling and a pleasure to visit with, and has been missed these past few years.
robert broderick
September 20, 2011
jane sorry to here about ray he was a special person . I think we some of the first kids to come over to your house on saturday to work on a wood project .I still have to two end tables that ray helped me build
Agnes Dikeman
September 20, 2011
May Ray Schairer rest in peace. I didn't have the privilege of meeting him in person, but I met him in reading Barefoot Boy. What a marvelous down to earth story. Sincere sympathy to Jane and family.
Winslow Fox
September 20, 2011
Ray was always so smiling and cheerful. Elizabeth enjoyed having him be a part of the Creative Writers group. He was such a talented craftslman in wood, and did several "custom" things for us, for which we are grateful. Winslow (and Elizabeth) Fox
Catherine Schneider
September 19, 2011
Dear Jane,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My mom, Hulda, always talked so fondly of the two of you. I enjoyed the time I spent with you both also.
Harriet Jernquist
September 19, 2011
Jane, I certainly remember you. So sorry for your loss. Mom is no longer able to write but on behalf of her, we send our condolences. It seems so long ago those Chelsea days when life was simple, or so it seems. with love, Harriet Johnsen Jernquist for Jean Johnsen
Cristine Tarasow Williams
September 19, 2011
I will always remember both you and Mr. Schairer from my growing up years in the Methodist church. He was such a quiet gentle like person. Kathy Nilsen gave me his book, Barefoot Boy,as a gift and I feel honored that he signed if for me. I so enjoyed reading about his early years on the family farm. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Berk
September 19, 2011
Ray was an important role model for me. I loved talking about woodworking and writing with him. He was an exceptional man and I will miss him a lot. Toby and I send our love and our prayers to you, Jane.
Dave Wood
September 19, 2011
Ray was my 4H leader many decades ago. Everything I know about carpentry I learned from him or my Dad. Participating in Ray's 4H group also taught me a few things about facilitating meetings which I still use in my job 50 years later. Most of all, I remember Ray as a gentle, nurturing man who brought out the best in all of those who knew him. When his memoir was published, TWO of my brothers and sisters sent me a copy. Because they are younger than me, I was surprised that they knew he had played a role in my life, but they did. Living a good life, as Ray did, is the most impressive thing a human being can do. His positive influence on many people is immense and continuing.
Jan & Bob Steinhauer
September 19, 2011
Hi Jane, I will always remember the Mancheswter Fireworks and BBQ's at moms. We all had a good time sharing the beauty in the skies and the food from the grill. My best to you and your family during this time of breaqvement.
Ryan Mitchell
September 19, 2011
Thinking of you.
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