Raymond J. DeWispeleare

Raymond J. DeWispeleare

Raymond J. DeWispeleare, 88, formerly of Lakeville, Ind., passed away at 4:25 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in his home in Mishawaka. He was born March 14, 1927, in Mishawaka to the late Camiel and Helena (Brackavelt) DeWispeleare and remained a lifelong area resident, living in Lakeville for over 50 years.
Ray served his country honorably in the U.S. Marines during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was discharged with honors after serving on USS Kearsage CB33 as a 90 millimeter gunner. Ray was a member of Lakeville American Legion Post 363 for 60 years, the Marshall County FOP and a lifetime member of the DAV Chapter 42.
On Oct. 16, 1954, in Albion, Ind., Ray married the former Margaret Maxine Thomas, who survives. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, he is survived by daughters, Laura A. (Larry “L.J.”) Carpenter of Mishawaka and Pamela S. Blazi of South Bend; sons, Dennis (Barbara) Striker of South Carolina, Gregory (Cindy) Striker of Fort Wayne, Ind., Lonny J. (Sharon) DeWispeleare of Mishawaka and Brent A. DeWispeleare, also of Mishawaka; 19 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Nancy Davis of Mooresville, N.C., and Sr. Maryann Burkhart of Fort Wayne; and brothers, Albert DeWispeleare and William (Joyce) Needham, both of Fort Wayne; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Ray was preceded in death by a son, Camiel M. Striker; one sister, Marie Holiday; and one brother, Robert DeWispeleare.