A. Ray Kalliel

A. Ray Kalliel died peacefully on July 3, 2018 at the age of 88.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Marianne; parents Alex and Najla; his brother Ed and sister Nora.  Ray is survived by his wife Mamie, children Stephanie and Karen, son-in-law Dave, sisters Marian and Audrey and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was born on June 18, 1930 in Milton, ND.  After service in the Korean War, he graduated from Michigan State University and Wayne State University School of Law.  After moving to Grand Rapids in 1960, he began working as the Veterans Administration attorney for Western Michigan.  He then joined the Kent County Prosecutor’s office where he worked for a number of years before starting a long career in private practice.

Ray was an avid golfer and longtime member of Cascade Hills Country Club.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Whispering Woods Retirement Village and Interim Healthcare Hospice for their compassionate efforts and care.  A special thanks to Leonard Saenz and his family for their loving attention.

Visitation will be held on Thursday July 5th from 4-7pm at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.  A private graveside service will be held Friday July 6th.  A luncheon will be held at Cascade Hills Country Club at 1pm following the graveside service for all of Ray’s family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Interim Healthcare Hospice, 1971 East Beltline Ave. NE, Suite 219, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (www.interimhealthcare.com/westmichigan) or Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (www.kidsfoodbasket.org).

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