Raymond Brandholt

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Raymond W. Brandholt, age 84, of Grandville, was surrounded by his loving family when he was called to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, after a short and very courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Edna Brandholt, and his brother, Christian. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Fran; his children, Jeanne (Joe) Staub, Greg “Peck” Brandholt; grandchildren, Jason, and Jeffrey Staub; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Ray was a supportive, hard-working, devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Ray was born in Chicago, IL, where he met the love of his life, Fran Nissen. He was a common sense man who had a calming influence on those around him, especially his family. He was a very involved father and coached Little League as well as being a Boy Scout Leader. Ray was a passionate outdoor enthusiast and loved hunting and fishing. His love of the outdoors started when he was a child. His family moved from Chicago to Washington and California. Ray would stop at the beach on his way home from school, put his books down on some rocks and go fishing. Of course, by the time he was done fishing, he had forgotten where his books were. His love for fishing and trying new things never ended. He went on many memorable hunting excursions. He created an elaborate hunting camp on his property “up north” where his friends gathered each year for hunting and camaraderie. He was an avid golfer and taught both of his children how to play the game. Ray was a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks. The family spent Sunday afternoons watching games together. Ray was a true patriot. He loved our great country. His father immigrated to the USA from Denmark, so he always had an appreciation for America. After high school, Ray went to airplane mechanic school and business college and then started his career as a truck mechanic at REA Express in Chicago, IL. He worked his way up to Vice President of Maintenance and Equipment at TNT Holland Motor Express. His career took the family to many different states including beautiful Cape Cod, MA, and Long Island, NY, where they made many great memories and met lifelong friends. He had many adventures in his life, but his greatest joy was his family. He will live forever in our hearts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville with Fr. Stephen Durkee officiating. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Tuesday, August 15 from 4 - 8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and on Wednesday from 10-11 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Michigan Veterans Affairs.