Raymond G. Wakild

Raymond G. Wakild, 88, of South Haven died on March 22, in Louisville, Kentucky.  Ray was born on April 24, 1924, in Muskegon, Michigan to Chris and Marie (Jorgenson) Wakild.   Ray served his country in World War II in the US Navy, working as a machinist mate on a LCI (Landing Craft Infantry) during the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach.  Ray married Helen Handley on July 27, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida.   Ray’s love was fishing and he worked as a commercial fisherman for many years.   Later, Ray was also a plant operator who worked for the City of South Haven at the Water Filtration Plant, retiring in 1986.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #49, the VFW Post #667 where he was a past commander, the River Bend Boat Club, and the Steelheaders. He was also a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen Wakild who died in 2003, and one brother, Stanley Wakild.  Ray is survived by his children, Charles (Susan) Wakild of Wilmington, NC, Chris (Linda) Wakild of Louisville, KY, and Linda (Dion) LeMieux of Paris, KY, as well as seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, March 28, from 10-11 am at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am at the church with Pastor Dean Beckwith officiating.  Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, South Haven.  Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hosparus-Louisville, 3532 Ephraim McDowell Drive, Louisville, KY 40205,

Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 06321 Blue Star Memorial Highway, South Haven, Michigan 49090, or a charity of your choice.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven, 637-0333.