Ray F. Helsel

Ray F. “Hoss” Helsel, age 72, of Fenwick, formerly of Belding, passed away on May 5, 2023, at Mission Pointe Nursing Home in Greenville, following a brief stay there. He was born on April 29. 1951, in Ionia, Michigan, son of Roy and Lula (Matthews) Helsel, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Belding schools and worked for many years at Extruded Metals Corporation. He married Cynthia Ann Graham, whom he has cared for through the years and shared 41 years of marriage with her. Ray was an avid card player and always enjoyed hunting, fishing and any other outdoor activity available as often as he could. Since the grandkids started arriving, he has spent as much time as possible with them. During his younger years, he had a stock car that he took to the track on weekends and has remained a lifelong racing fan.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia; his children Stephanie (John) Kroesing of Ionia, Tami (John) Lieffers of Belding, Lisa (Kevin) Beagle of Belding, Michael Helsel of Sheridan, Amanda (Marlin) Isaac of Homer and Sam (Cassandra) Helsel of Fenwick; 18 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Dorothea Zwerk; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James “Mike” Helsel, and Floyd Helsel, who died in infancy; and a brother-in-law, James Zwerk.

Visitation and funeral will take place on Saturday, May 13, at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge St., Belding, Michigan 48809. The family will greet visitors beginning at 3:30 p.m. and the Funeral Service will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Martin Ross officiating. Memorial donations are recommended to the charity of the donor’s choice. For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge St., Belding, at (616) 794-1300 or verdunfh.com, who is caring for the arrangements.