Obituary for JACOB J. BRAY
Jacob J. Bray, 83, of Co. Rd. 480, Chocolay Township, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, October 3, 2019 at UP Health System Marquette with his loving family by his side.
Jacob was born October 17, 1935 in Vulcan, Michigan to Jacob and Anna (Gnody) Bray. His parents passed away when he was four years old, so he and his brothers moved to Holy Family Orphanage in Marquette. Jacob graduated from Negaunee St. Paul High School, Valedictorian of his Class in 1954.
Following graduation, Jacob enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in Submarine Service until his honorable discharge and retirement in 1976. He married Patricia Larson in 1960 and together they raised five children. Jacob also worked for Wittock Supply following his retirement from the Navy.
Mr. Bray was a former member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Palmer. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and at deer camp, but most enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.
Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia (Larson) Bray; two sons: Michael Bray of Menasha, WI and Christopher (Heidi) Bray of Palmer; two daughters: Denise (Rocco) Vanden-Wyngaard of Neenah, WI and Elizabeth (Kenny) Horrocks of Duluth, MN; eight grandchildren: Olivia, Sophia, Jacob, Joseph, Elijah, Matthew, Makenzie and Chase; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Debra Bray; an infant brother and seven other brothers: Edward, Andrew, Frank, John, Benedict, George and Joey
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 11th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Palmer, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday, and also at a luncheon immediately following services in the church fellowship hall.
Jacob’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
Jacob was born October 17, 1935 in Vulcan, Michigan to Jacob and Anna (Gnody) Bray. His parents passed away when he was four years old, so he and his brothers moved to Holy Family Orphanage in Marquette. Jacob graduated from Negaunee St. Paul High School, Valedictorian of his Class in 1954.
Following graduation, Jacob enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country in Submarine Service until his honorable discharge and retirement in 1976. He married Patricia Larson in 1960 and together they raised five children. Jacob also worked for Wittock Supply following his retirement from the Navy.
Mr. Bray was a former member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Palmer. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and at deer camp, but most enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.
Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia (Larson) Bray; two sons: Michael Bray of Menasha, WI and Christopher (Heidi) Bray of Palmer; two daughters: Denise (Rocco) Vanden-Wyngaard of Neenah, WI and Elizabeth (Kenny) Horrocks of Duluth, MN; eight grandchildren: Olivia, Sophia, Jacob, Joseph, Elijah, Matthew, Makenzie and Chase; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Debra Bray; an infant brother and seven other brothers: Edward, Andrew, Frank, John, Benedict, George and Joey
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 11th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Palmer, with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday, and also at a luncheon immediately following services in the church fellowship hall.
Jacob’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.