Gust Raymond "Ray" Markstrom

Gust Raymond “Ray” Markstrom, age 94, passed away on October 13, 2026, in Keego Harbor, Michigan. Ray was born on February 26, 1932, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Andrew August Markstrom and Mary Edla (Osterlund) Markstrom. He grew up on the family farm on Swede Road in Cedarville, Michigan, where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, hard work, and the simple pleasures of country living. He graduated from Cedarville High School in 1950.

After high school, Ray worked as a carpenter before proudly serving his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. On July 2, 1955, he married the love of his life, Ruth Virginia Tobias, in Cedarville, Michigan. Together, Ray and Ruth built a beautiful life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless cherished memories. They shared 69 wonderful years of marriage.

Ray and Ruth moved to Madison Heights, Michigan, where they spent 25 years raising their family while Ray continued his career as a skilled carpenter. Together, they raised four children.

Following his retirement, Ray and Ruth returned to Cedarville and settled back on Swede Road, where Ray felt most at home. He enjoyed boating, fishing, ice fishing, deer hunting with his brothers and family, bowling, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and cutting wood. Ray was happiest when he was outdoors, keeping busy, and spending time with those he loved.

One of Ray’s special joys was his beloved 1956 Ford tractor. He looked forward to driving it in Cedarville’s Fourth of July parade and proudly entering it in the Stalwart Fair, where he won many blue ribbons. Ray also took great pride in his garden, growing zucchini, squash, and pumpkins that earned him blue ribbons at the Chippewa County Fair. Ray enjoyed trips to the casino, attending Detroit Tigers baseball games, and spending winters with Ruth in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they made many wonderful memories together over the years. A lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Cedarville, Ray’s faith and community were important parts of his life.

Ray will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of the outdoors, his many hobbies, and especially his devotion to his family. Whether he was working on his tractor, tending his garden, fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying time with family, Ray found happiness in life’s everyday moments.

Loving father of Linda (Allen) Perry, Carol (Barry) Clay, Terri (Charlie) Savage, and Tim (Veronica) Markstrom. Proud grandfather and great-grandfather of many. Dear brother of James (Janet) Markstom, and brother-in-law of Joanne Markstrom and Mae Markstrom. Ray was preceded in passing by his beloved wife, Ruth Virginia (Tobias) Markstrom; his parents, Andrew August and Mary Edla (Osterlund) Markstrom; and his siblings and their spouses, Marie Markstrom, Jennie Markstrom, John Markstrom, Charles Markstrom, Betty (Herman) Izzard, and Louis (Shirley) Markstrom.

His 94 years were filled with hard work, adventure, love, and memories that will be treasured by his family for generations to come. Ray’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Burial will take place at a later date at Cedarville Cemetery, Cedarville.