Charles “Ray” Kipker, 83 of Bronson passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

The family will have a memorial service for Ray at 3:00 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Coldwater with Pastor Gus Wright officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 2:00 PM at the church. The family is being served by Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home.

Charles was born January 31, 1931 to Leon and Gertrude “Dot” (Summey) Kipker in Sturgis. Ray proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return from service, he began a long career as a mechanic. He worked for many years at DeNoyer Chevrolet in Battle Creek and finished his work with Coldwater Marina. He married Shirley Moore in 1953. Ray later married Alice Hoard in 1972.

Ray was a man of faith and a long-time member of the Church of the Holy Spirit. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Ray liked bowling, going mushroom hunting, and old cars. He was a member of the Orland American Legion for many years.

Mr. Kipker is survived by his children Linda (Marvin) Daniels of Jackson, Roger Ray (Gale) Kipker of Albion, James Leroy (Jeanette) Kipker of Jackson, Larry Gene (Bo) Willms of Bronson, Kerry Lynn Willms of Sturgis, and Jackie (George) Milliman of Sturgis; his sisters Sandy Warner of Baldwin and Joyce Taylor of Drummond Island; 18 grand-children and 8 great grand-children; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Shirley Moore; his second wife Alice Hoard; his siblings Roger Kipker, Shirley Yoder and Peggy Pant.

Memorials may be directed to Gift of Life Michigan. www.dutcherfh.com