Raymond A. Preseau Jr.
Raymond A. Preseau Jr., 70, of Millersburg, died Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Medilodge of Hillman. Ray was born in Cheboygan October 10, 1947 and was raised in Onaway. On July 19, 1968 he married Elizabeth Strasser at St. Mary Catholic Church in Cheboygan. Though they moved quite often, for the most part they made their home in Onaway or Cheboygan.
In 1968 Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. He then served in the Army National Guard for nearly 20 years. Proud and patriotic, Ray was a lifetime member of the Onaway Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5857 serving as post commander several times throughout the years. Dedicated to all fellow comrades and his Onaway post, Ray always had some type of VFW activity going on. From marching in parades, chicken barbecues, funeral honors and district meetings, Ray could always be counted on for help. An avid outdoorsman, Ray enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a large collection of fishing equipment and poles that he accumulated from years of shopping and going to garage sales. Always on the go, Ray loved to travel and especially enjoyed mapping out his road trips. He always knew exactly how many miles his trip would be and how long it would take. He loved going to the casino, working on cars, and spending time on his computer. A morning regular at Wood Winds Restaurant, Ray looked forward to his visits with the waitresses and other customers each morning. He was friendly, outgoing and loved to talk. Ray seemed to know everyone.
Always eager to lend a hand to help others, Ray was giving and kind. He felt honored to serve his country and was proud of the American Flag. Satisfied and content, Ray didn’t complain or criticize and was easy to get along with. His patriotism, easygoing way, and his love for his family will be fondly remembered.
Surviving Ray is his daughter, Tina (Terry) Lovell of Millersburg; two sons, Raymond Preseau III of Cheboygan and Donald Preseau (Rhonda Webster) of Green Bay, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Johnny, Adam, Terry, Elizabeth, Abigail, Gabriel, Michael, Heather, Kaitlyn, Paige and Isaac; as well as several great-grandchildren. Ray also leaves his sister, Penny Ann Preseau; and two brothers, Michael (Lynne) and Patrick (Linda) Preseau, all of Onaway.
Ray’s family will receive friends at the Chagnon Funeral Home today (Thursday) from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service beginning at 1 pm. The Rev. Carmen Cook will officiate. Military honors by the Onaway VFW Post 5857 will follow. Ray’s final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Ray to his family or to Onaway VFW Post 5857. Condolences may be shared with Ray’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.