Raymond "Ray" Henry Vollmer

Raymond Henry “Ray” Vollmer died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 22, 2022, following complications from a stroke. He was born on March 14, 1941, in Grand Haven, MI to the late Ludwig and Ruth (Johnson) Vollmer.

He met Nancy Kay Weber (now, Vollmer) in 7th Grade when they were 12 years old. Ray and Nancy were named King and Queen of the local May Day parade in 1956 and were married in 1960; they remained married for more than 61 years. He received his degree in business from Michigan State University in 1964, and had a real estate business in Okemos, Michigan until the 1980s. Following his career in real estate, he moved back to Grand Haven to work with his father, Ludwig, on his beloved family Christmas tree farm. Ray was also a gifted musician and athlete. He could play any song “by ear” on the organ, never using music sheets or notes.

Ray was a star pitcher for Grand Haven High School from 1957-1959, and was invited to join the Michigan State baseball team before opting to start a family at a young age. His hobbies included fishing, music, hunting, peaceful drives and walks, picking fruit, golf, MSU sports, Tigers baseball, casino games, and coffee or pizza with friends. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, rarely missing any special events or sports games of his children or grandchildren. He was most proud of his association with the Vollmer Family Farm, where he grew up and later worked.

Ray was instrumental in the arrangement that turned the farm into Stearns Creek Park, where his family is memorialized. A bench donated by Ray and Nancy is on the park grounds, and photos of Ray as a child can be viewed on the signs featuring the farm history.

Ray is survived by his wife Nancy Vollmer, of Grand Haven; daughter, Tami Wade (Peter) of Grand Haven; son, Tim Vollmer (Amy) of Florida; six grandchildren, including Matthew Wade (Kathleen), Sarah Khodl (Chad), Stephanie Bench (Myles), Benjamin Vollmer (Danica), Theodore Vollmer, and Emily Vollmer; seven great-granddaughters; two sisters, Ruth Smeenge (Paul) and Elizabeth Walwood (Jim), all of Grand Haven; brother, Stuart Vollmer, of Spring Lake; and sisters-in-law, Yvonne Ross and Dina Vollmer, both of Grand Haven. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lou and George; sisters, Idabelle and Irene;, and parents-in-law, Claude and Francis Weber.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, any who wishes, please send donations in Ray’s name to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. 

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