Marvin John Ray
BARK RIVER — Marvin John Ray, 96, peacefully went to be with his Savior and Lord on Sunday afternoon, May 5, 2019.
Born in Carney to John and Violet Ray on Oct. 30, 1922, Marvin was one of six children — Robert, Kenneth, Majorie, Clarence and Beverly — all who have preceded him in death with the exception of Beverly. In 1942, Marvin joined the Navy and served our country for three years. Afterward, he purchased a farm in Perronville and raised poultry, hogs, and dairy cows along with operating a feed mill.
On Sept. 4, 1948, he married the love of his life, Bernice Esther Gustafson, in Stephenson. They were happily married for 69 years. The farm was sold in 1962, and the family moved to Bark River and established Rays Feed Mill.
Marvin was active in the community. He was a part of Farm Bureau, Harris Township Board, and was an enthusiastic Bark River-Harris Broncos sports fan.
Marvin was a man of strong faith in the Lord and a great prayer warrior. He would study his Bible for long periods of time. He held many positions in both the Carney Evangelical Free Church and the Bark River Bible Church. He was on the church board for many years, Sunday School teacher, and lived out his faith daily. His greatest desire was that people would realize their need of Jesus in their lives.
Marvin is survived by his children, Tom (Charlotte), Mark (Nancy), Ruth (Don) Ives, Rick (Michelle), all of Bark River, and Jim (Janice) of Green Bay and daughter-in-law, Carole of Bark River; grandchildren, Brian (Jodi) Ray, Michael Ray, Aaron Ray, Diana (David) Oman, Bethany (Andrew) Gearhart, Brittany (Steve) Dubord, Erin Ray, Rachelle (Derek) Olson, Samantha Ray, Bradley (Shelby) Ives, Michael Floyd, D.J. Malone; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Kallstrom; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Bernice, and his oldest son, Paul.
Visitation will be held at the Bark River Bible Church on Wednesday, May 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. EST. with the service at 6 p.m. EST and a lunch to follow.
Memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be decided on later. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.