Raymond Andrulis

As his family and friends can certainly attest, Raymond Andrulis truly understood the secret to a life well lived. Nothing brought Ray greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Deeply loved, Ray will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

His passion was figuring out how things worked and completing projects that no one else thought could be successful. His bright intellect enabled him to create and build. This same intellect made him a character that would often involve sparring and a biting humor which made spending time with him memorable.

There was much to celebrate in the lives of Anthony and Ana Andrulis when they announced the birth of their son, Raymond George on April 23, 1923.

Born at his parents’ home in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, Ray was a typical child of his generation. He was raised in the family home alongside his younger sister, Harriet. Ray discovered his passion for building at a young age, and he enjoyed photography and boating as well. He spent many summers at Burnham Park Yacht Club with friends, and Ray and his friends would visit Michigan City, New Buffalo, and many other port cities along the Michigan coast. He went on to attend Tilden Tech High School, where he studied the trades. Following his graduation from high school on June 26, 1941, he woked for a tool and die company in Chicago. Ray served in the Naval Reserve as a Coxswain aboard an LST and LCT, cruising in the Asiatic Pacific Area from 1942 to 1944.

Ray met the woman who would soon become the love of his life, Charlotte Dawson. The two first met while hanging around in the neighborhood. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Ray and Chi were married on January 13, 1951.

Ray and Chi welcomed two children, Rick and Phyllis, into their hearts and home. Ray thrived in his role as a father and strove to provide for them. He built their first home in Westmont, Illinois, himself. The family soon settled down in a tract home just north of the Midway Airport in Chicago, shortening Ray’s daily commute to work. In 1981, Ray lost his beloved Chi. He was heartbroken, but he was always grateful for the years they were able to spend together.

Later in life, Ray was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He was proud to call himself Grandpa Ray, and he considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Many picnics were shared on his deck at Huzzy Lake with extended family.

When it came to providing for himself and his family, Ray was never afraid to work hard. Upon his return from the service, he worked various construction jobs before shifting his focus to working in the mail room and supply department at The Hartford Insurance Company in the Chicago offices for 33 years. Ray was very mechanically skilled, so he did light maintenance repairs in the offices, as well as chauffeuring any executives as needed.

Never one to sit still for long, Ray pursued many free hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He took care of any and all repairs needed around the house. Ray enjoyed renovating and building boats, houses, cottages, and radio controlled cars, planes, and boats, especially with his grandson, Thomas. Many weekends were spent as a family, bringing the Chi-Ann, Ray’s beloved boat, to various locations, including Fox River, Chicago River, and Huzzy Lake in Lawton, Michigan. In 1967, Ray and Chi, along with their in-laws, Ed and Joan Belluomoni, bought a lakefront lot from their other in-laws, Bill and Pam Manstrom and built their summer home on weekends and vacations. As their family grew, they added additional land and cottages as well. Ray moved to a townhouse in Plainfield, Illinois, in 2002, where he continued to tinker around in his garage. He was always available to help his neighbors with projects. Ray later settled in Story Point in Portage, Michigan. He quickly became a part of the community and was infamous for his scooter rides through the complex. Ray missed tinkering in his garage, but to the surprise of family and friends found creative ways to tinker in his apartment. Ray was known and loved by many in the community.

When reflecting on the life of Raymond Andrulis, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his love for his family. He was always willing to serve those around him, and his caring spirit allowed him to touch the hearts of countless others. A loving father and grandfather, Ray was proud to watch his family tree grow to include so many members. He was well known for the solid work ethic that formed the firm foundation of his life. Though Ray will be dearly missed, he leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will carry on in his footsteps.

Raymond George Andrulis, (Ray, Sparks, Grandpa Ray) age 99, passed at home at StoryPoint Portage, Michigan on Thursday, March 23, 2023 surrounded by family and supportive caretakers from complications of a stroke he had December 26, 2022. Ray is survived by his two children, Richard (Susan) and Phyllis (Paul Hanna). He is survived by three grandchildren, Jennifer Villebro (Peter Ramirez), Jessica Kral (Tomas) and Thomas Hanna. He is also survived by three great-grand daughters, Katelyn and Audrey Kral and Charlotte Hanna. He is survived by his sister-in law Olga Dawson. He is also survived by nieces Carol Trask (Nick), Susan Carbary, William), Kim Kupczyk (Ken), Kathy Logue, Carrie Brooks (Dennis) Sue Ticzkus, Carol Moerke (Del), Lois Sullivan. He is survived by nephews Paul Manstrom (Carol), Rob Dawson, Jeff Ticzkus, Dave Ticzkus, Andy Christopherson. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his spouse Charlotte, Mother Ana, Father Anthony, Sister and brother in-law Harriet and Al Kasper, In-Laws Sophie and Tony Ticzkus, Pamela and William Manstrom, Joan and Edward Belluomoni and Charles Dawson. Nephews Raymond Ticzkus, Joseph Ticzkus, Anthony Ticzkus, Roseanne Christopherson, Neal Logue.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Ray’s 100th birthday, Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 1-5 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Military honors and a time of sharing will be held at 2 pm. Visit Ray’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, The Scleroderma Research Foundation or a charity of your choice.