Raymond Jiral
February 23rd, 1933 - May 12th, 2025
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Raymond's Obituary
Raymond George Jiral, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025 with his family by his side.
A Time of Reflection will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Visitation with light refreshments will follow from 5:30 – 7:00pm. Burial to take place at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ray’s memory may be directed to the Readiness Center – Benton Harbor or Birthright of St. Joseph. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ray was born on February 23, 1933 to George and Mae (Paloucek) Jiral in Brookfield, IL. He attended college in Illinois where he met Kathleen Simmons. The two were married on October 9, 1954 and shared 70 wonderful years together before Kay passed away in 2024. He joined the United States Army during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged after two years. After completion of his service, Ray and Kay moved to Michigan and eventually settled in St. Joseph in 1968 where they raised their three children.
Ray worked at Kawneer for a few years and then took a position at Whirlpool Corporation. He retired as Vice President of Whirlpool Finance, after devoting 30 years to the company. Ray and Kay loved traveling and had the opportunity to visit Europe, Australia, and see the glaciers in Alaska as well as the Canadian Rockies. They took family trips around the United States, camped in Ludington, and fished in Canada. Ray loved fishing. He took many fishing trips over the years and especially loved going to Ludington and Spring, Canada. He loved planning to the tee and also took the extended family with grandchildren to Great Bear Lodge and Ludington campground. He kept fishing until he was no longer able to at the incredible age of 91.
Ray loved music and played the clarinet when he was young and also played the accordion and taught accordion. He always wanted to be connected with family, and hearing what was going on in their lives and helping with projects where he could.
Ray will always be remembered by his children, David (Patricia) Jiral, Sandra (Robert) Kelly, and Chuck (Brenda) Jiral; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay and parents.
A Time of Reflection will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Visitation with light refreshments will follow from 5:30 – 7:00pm. Burial to take place at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ray’s memory may be directed to the Readiness Center – Benton Harbor or Birthright of St. Joseph. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ray was born on February 23, 1933 to George and Mae (Paloucek) Jiral in Brookfield, IL. He attended college in Illinois where he met Kathleen Simmons. The two were married on October 9, 1954 and shared 70 wonderful years together before Kay passed away in 2024. He joined the United States Army during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged after two years. After completion of his service, Ray and Kay moved to Michigan and eventually settled in St. Joseph in 1968 where they raised their three children.
Ray worked at Kawneer for a few years and then took a position at Whirlpool Corporation. He retired as Vice President of Whirlpool Finance, after devoting 30 years to the company. Ray and Kay loved traveling and had the opportunity to visit Europe, Australia, and see the glaciers in Alaska as well as the Canadian Rockies. They took family trips around the United States, camped in Ludington, and fished in Canada. Ray loved fishing. He took many fishing trips over the years and especially loved going to Ludington and Spring, Canada. He loved planning to the tee and also took the extended family with grandchildren to Great Bear Lodge and Ludington campground. He kept fishing until he was no longer able to at the incredible age of 91.
Ray loved music and played the clarinet when he was young and also played the accordion and taught accordion. He always wanted to be connected with family, and hearing what was going on in their lives and helping with projects where he could.
Ray will always be remembered by his children, David (Patricia) Jiral, Sandra (Robert) Kelly, and Chuck (Brenda) Jiral; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay and parents.
Memorial Contributions
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