Raymond Stanley Cianek, age 96 years, of Essexville, a loving, caring and faith-filled father and husband, was born into eternal life on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Ray passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his devoted family. The cherished son of Frank and Agnes Cianek, Ray was born January 22, 1917, in Detroit, MI. He was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Church of Essexville, and the League of Catholic Men & Women. On February 16, 1943, he was united in marriage to his beloved Flora M. Walther, at St. James Church in Bay City, MI. Their sacred marriage of 53 years was blessed with countless memories of a loving family. She preceded Ray on May 23, 1996. A hardworking and dedicated man, Ray retired from General Motors, Bay City, in 1981, after years of faithful service. Recently, Ray participated in “Walleyes for Warriors” and was humbled to be honored as the oldest veteran participant. Ray honorably served our country in the U. S. Army during World War II. Ray’s deep faith, sense of humor, compassionate and caring heart, and beautiful spirit will always live on. Ray leaves to cherish his memory, his two devoted children, Judith Hansford and her husband, Daniel of Essexville; and Robert Cianek and his wife, Mary Beth of Essexville. He was the loving and proud “Pup” of three grandsons and two great-grandchildren: Brey Daniel Hansford and his wife, Claudia and their children, Adriana Lynn and Daniel John Hansford; and Aaron Robert Cianek and Kevin Michael Cianek. Ray is also survived by his sister, Genevieve Matuszak; sister-in-law, Sally Cianek, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and countless friends. In addition to his parents and loving wife, Ray was welcomed home to heaven by his brothers, Barney and wife, Louise Cianek, Joseph and wife, Millie Cianek, Harry and wife, Rhea Cianek, Adolph and wife, Harriet Cianek, Leo Cianek, and Theodore “Teddy” and wife, Donna Cianek; sister, Julia and husband, Gene Jozwiak; brother-in-law, Stanley Matuszak and in-laws, Theresa, Dorothy, Genevieve, Mildred, Barney, Peter, Len, Joe and James. Ray’s family will be present to receive visitors at St. John the Evangelist Church, 614 Pine St., Essexville, on Saturday, December 14, 2013, from 9:00 AM until his 11:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with private entombment to follow in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Ray may be directed to the family to be utilized for a permanent Essexville memorial in his honor. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.