Obituary of Raymond William Cloutier
Age 98, of Clio, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023, at Maple Woods Manor with his family by his side. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 10, 2023, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services. Chaplain Hank Messing to officiate, with burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Raymond’s family will be present to receive friends from 11:00 am, until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Raymond’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.
Raymond “Ray” was born in Flint on April 12, 1924, the son of the late Theophile J. and the late Josephine M. (Dagenais) Cloutier. Ray proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II from January 12, 1942, until his honorable discharge on May 19, 1942, due to an injury. Ray loved his country and would have done anything to go back to serve, but that was not meant to be. Ray met and married the loved of his life, Mabel Stadler, on August 21, 1948, at St. Agnes Church in Flint. Sadly, she preceded him in death on October 14, 2013. Ray worked as a Salesman for Arco, selling oil to local companies, for over 40 years, until his retirement. Ray loved to go hunting and fishing in Ludington and at his cottage on Higgins Lake. Ray was a member of the Elks #3201 in Houghton Lake. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and taking his motorcycle out to the fire trails. Ray was very sassy, and teasing his family and friends was one of his favorite pastimes. Ray enjoyed going out to eat, and he was well-known and loved by all the wait staff at UNO’s and Leo’s. He was a U of M football fan. He never missed a game. Every year, from 2002 until 2008, Ray looked forward to his trip to Hawaii with his beloved Mabel, Kathleen, and Jerry. Ray was the life of the party and never missed a holiday or special event. After all, he was in charge of bringing the wine! Ray stayed active by walking the golf course and riding in his JEEP. He was a very generous man. Ray loved his dog, Hilda, as well as any and every child that came into the family. He never had a special one, he loved them all equally, and they all loved him. He will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Ray's memory are his daughter, Donna and husband, John Mantei; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; in-laws: Kathleen and husband, Jerry Stadler; special friend, Margaret Balesky; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mabel; granddaughter, Bailee; siblings: Don, Ivan, Al, David, Dorothy, Irene, and nephew Randy.