Raymond J. Weingartz

Ray Weingartz was a man who lived his life in a way that always had this day in mind, in the best ways possible. His priorities were clear - God first, then his family, then his business and everyone it serves, and lastly, himself. Many people know him from his accomplished business career and it was an important part of his life, but many may not understand why it was important to him. He certainly was one of the best salesman and best businessman that any of us ever knew. He taught us the importance of working hard and being an expert in our field. He had little patience for people that expected things to come easy or were unwilling to put in the work required to do the job well. But more than any of that, he wanted his business to give glory to God. That was his driving force for working to build the business. He believed and impressed on us that a business could operate with complete integrity, absolute honesty, serve its customers, employees, communities and the poor and that if we stayed true to those principles that the business would be successful. He wouldn't allow any corners to be cut on those principles and said on many occasions that if we had to do business any other way, that it just wasn't meant for us to be in business. That is the other way that the business was important - it served as his ministry to his family to share his values. He loved to work with his family and share his faith through his actions. He taught us the importance of acting honorably by being honorable, of trust by being trusting and trustworthy, of charity by being charitable. He really believed that the business was an extension of these values and so when he focused his substantial ambition on growing the business it was growing it so we could serve more by our efforts. The success of the business, whether small or large, always served other purposes. There were more opportunities for employees, more customers served and more resources to share with those in need. It is difficult to try to sum up a great life in a few words, but if one had to for Ray, it might be 'serving God by serving others'. He loved helping people and believed in sharing his time, talent and treasure. Whether it was business associates that he would help through challenges or charities that he would lend his business acumen to or financial support to build wells in Africa, he felt blessed and humbled by the opportunities that The Lord gave him to help others. He truly looked at himself as a steward of the abundant blessings that he was entrusted with and worked very hard to make sure that he shared them well. His care for his community and, especially for the poor, are shown through his many relationships with business and charitable associations. He is a member of: Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Legatus, Cardinal Club, Kiwanis, and 42 years at St. Isidore Catholic Church. He served either currently or formerly on the Board or as President of: Holy Cross Services, Austin Catholic High School, SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, North American Equipment Dealers Association, Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Association and the Utica Downtown Development Authority. Ray loved his Catholic faith and was devoted to prayer and the Holy Sacraments. As such, he would want us to pray for the repose of his soul at this time - it is the greatest gift that anyone can give him. He understood completely that he was a sinner and was in total awe and gratitude for God's mercy on him. The entire family thanks everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers during this time. Thank you and God bless you, Ray's Wife for over 57 years - Marie Weingartz His children: Catherine Radtke and her husband, Edward Radtke and their children Edward Radtke, Allison Radtke, Olivia Radtke and Julie Radtke (deceased). Beverly DeVriendt and her children, Ronald DeVriendt and his wife, Beth and their children Matthew, Leah and Hannah, Erin Phillips and her husband, Tim, and their children Bradley and Aubrey, and Brett DeVriendt and his fiancé, Lisa. Ronald Weingartz and his wife, Margaret, and their children Katherine Cullen and her husband, Stephen, Rachel Kosin and her husband, Joshua, Lauren DeLoach and her husband, Philip, Jennifer Weingartz and Kara Weingartz Angela Malburg and her husband, Donald Malburg and their children Eric Hessell, Karl Hessell and his wife, Melissa and their children Richard and Raymond, John Hessell, Lance Malburg and his wife, Deirdre and their daughter Sandra, Kevin Malburg and Aaron Malburg and his wife, Alexandria Malburg. Thomas Weingartz and his wife, Debra Weingartz and their children Kelly Weingartz, Sarah Weingartz, Megan Weingartz, Jacob Weingartz (deceased), Jenna Weingartz and Luke Weingartz. Daniel Weingartz and his wife, Kristine Weingartz and their children Peyton Weingartz, Abby Weingartz, William Weingartz and Adam Weingartz. Kenneth Weingartz and his wife, Amy Weingartz and their children Madelyn Weingartz, Andrew Weingartz and Elizabeth Weingartz. Family will receive friends Thursday and Friday 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica. St. Lawrence K of C Rosary Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and Prayer Service Friday at 7:00 p.m. In state Saturday 9:00 a.m. at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18203 23 Mile Road (at Romeo Plank Rd.) Macomb, until time of his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Family request donations in lieu of flowers to Father Solanus Casey, The Capuchins Soup Kitchen, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Right to Life, OR Holy Cross Children Services. Please share a memory at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com

Raymond J. Weingartz

August 19, 1937 - February 23, 2016