Ray Decloedt

Raymond E. DeCloedt, 85, a life-long Mishawaka resident, passed away early Monday morning, February 16, 2015, in his home.

Ray was born January 5, 1930 in Mishawaka, a son of the late August and Mary (VanWiele) DeCloedt. He was a 1948 graduate of Mishawaka High School. He attended the American Institute of Floral Designers in Chicago.

Ray married Mary Ann VanVooren on September 4, 1950 in St. Bavo Catholic Church. That same year they took over the operation of the family business, DeCloedt Floral, which was started by Ray’s mother and grandmother in 1928. Ray and Mary Ann worked side by side for nearly 65 years in the flower shop. He served on the Board of Directors for FTD (Indiana and Illinois region) from 1969 to 1972 and ran for vice president of the organization. Ray was the chairperson for FTD’s Rose Bowl Parade float in 1970.

Currently, Ray was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka. He was one of the founders of East End Little League and in his honor a field was named for him. Ray was a member of the DeAmici’s Club and a former member of the Mishawaka Exchange Club. He was also one of the founders of the West End Business Association.

Since 1969, Ray has been a Volunteer Firefighter for Penn Township Fire Department and at one time was a Captain. The fire department was like a second family to Ray. His family greatly appreciates his fellow firefighters care and concern for Ray and their family.

Ray was an avid Mishawaka High School football fan. He is also remembered as being a champion water skier.

Ray’s family was the center of his life. Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 64 years, Mary Ann (Ray always said they were married 99 years!); three children, Steve (JoAnn) DeCloedt of South Bend, Linda (Dennis) Sizemore of Mishawaka and John (Tammy) DeCloedt of Mishawaka; a sister, Janet (Reuben) Hodgson of Dowagiac, MI; six grandchildren, Dennis (Christy) Sizemore, Daniel (Jill) Sizemore, David (Stephanie) Sizemore, Justin (Allison) DeCloedt, Kevin DeCloedt and Amy (Danny) Nussbaum; twelve great grandchildren who were the light of Ray’s life, Paige, Moriah, Jack, Taylor, Joe, Payton, Nathan, Katie, Sophie, Henry, Louie, Callan and one more to be born soon.

Ray was preceded in death by his brothers and their wives, Frank and Lorraine DeCloedt and Richard “Dick” and Diana DeCloedt.

Ray’s life was truly about putting others first. He will be deeply missed by those that knew and loved him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 20, at 10 am in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with Ray’s family Thursday, February 19, from 3 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.