Raymond A. “Ray” Bartholomew

Age 99, passed away August 14, 2020. He was born on April 14, 1921, in LaPorte, IN, the son of Ray and Marie (Raatz) Bartholomew. Ray was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansing. Ray received his bachelor and masters degrees in music education from the University of Michigan and was a lifetime member of the University of Michigan Alumni Association. Ray taught band in Oregon and Iowa before becoming an original faculty member at C.W. Otto Junior High in Lansing in 1956. He served as band director there for 30 years before retiring in 1986. He had many fond memories of the student, parent and faculty relationships he built throughout his career. Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during WWII. He was an excellent musician and enjoyed a long affiliation with the V.F.W Post 701 band and the Lansing Community Band.

He is survived by his children, Karen and Craig (Janet); grandchildren, Allen (Danielle) and Sarah; great granddaughter, Quinn; sister-in-law, Barbara (William) Brinkman, and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Alberta, Evelyn and James; and wife of 60 years, Janet.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2020, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, with interment to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  His family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, or Susan G Komen (breast cancer research).