Ray Laethem

Ray Laethem, age 61, died peacefully on May 17, 2010 at Sunrise of Grosse Pointe Woods. Ray was born on June 5, 1948 in Detroit, the son of Raymond and Isabel Laethem. He attended Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary School and was a 1966 graduate of Austin Catholic High School. He graduated Western Michigan University in 1970 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Ray began his career as an automobile salesman. He eventually purchased his own dealership, Ray Laethem Pontiac-Buick-GMC on Mack Avenue in Detroit in 1980. Mr. Laethem was a member of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, the Detroit Automobile Dealers Association and the St. John Hospital Guild. Ray was a hard worker, committed to his customers. In his off time he was an avid boater, enjoyed music and singing. Ray is survived by his son Jeff and his wife Alysia and his daughter Melissa; two grandchildren; Peter and Charlie; his former wife Kathy; his brother Greg and sister Maryann Martin. He was predeceased by a sister Laura Richer and his parents. Visitation is will be from 2-9 pm Wednesday and Thursday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. A scripture service will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday. His body will lie instate at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford at Morningside, Grosse Pointe Woods from 9:30 am Friday until mass at 10:00. Rev. Fr. Gary Smetanka, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Team Ray Laethem, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P. O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014.