Ray Jansma, age 92 of Fremont, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at the Newaygo Medical Care Facility following a short illness. Ray was born on June 21, 1920 in Grand Rapids to John and Jenny (Johnson) Jansma. After World War II, Ray graduated from the University of Michigan where he met and later married Phyllis J. Butterfield on June 16, 1950 in Royal Oak. Ray and Phyllis moved to the Fremont area in 1951 where Ray had been an architect and designer. Ray spent his entire life drawing, painting, sculpting, building and creating. From his home north of Fremont, Ray built a 32 foot sailboat which he and Phyllis enjoyed sailing together around on Lake Michigan. Ray had assisted restoring 8th Street in downtown Holland, including Alpenrose Restaurant which he designed was also instrumental in establishing and creating The Arts Place in downtown Fremont.

Ray is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis of Fremont; his children, Timothy (Becky) Jansma of Fremont; Jennifer (Chris) Chiles of Alvaton, Kentucky; Jon Jansma of Cleveland, Ohio; his grandchildren, Joe, Audrey, Mabel Jansma; his brother, Bob (Joan) Jansma of Fremont; several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 3pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel with a time for visiting with the family 1 hour prior to the celebration. Following the celebration, an open house will be held at the NCCA-Artsplace 13 E Main Street Fremont and Ray Jansma Studio 3055 Ramshorn Drive Fremont from 4-6pm. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Fremont Area Community Foundation for the Ray Jansma Visual Fine Arts Scholarship Fund.