Raymond L. Zentz

Raymond Louis Zentz, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, December 22, 2023 in Goshen, IN. Mr. Zentz was born and raised in Argos, IN. Parents Claude Zentz and Eva (Kelsey) Zentz raised six boys, eldest to youngest—Richard, Raymond, Russell, Donald, Larry and James.   Raymond was preceded in death by brothers Richard, Donald and Larry. Brothers Russell and James, both of Argos, survive. Spouse Wanda (Anders) Zentz and Raymond married in January 1951. The family stayed in Argos for a time, then moved to Bremen in 1962. The family lived in the house that Raymond and Wanda built themselves until their move to the Greencroft Community in Goshen in 2020. Surviving children are Susan Goodrich (Glenn), Goshen; Sharon Hancock (Barry), Bartlesville, OK; Ronald Zentz (Pamela), Valparaiso; and Donald Zentz (Suzanne), Indianapolis. Raymond has six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one step-great grandchild, and two great-great grandchildren. Raymond was preceded in death by daughter Mary Kaye Zentz and grandson, Joshua Hartman. Raymond played basketball for Argos High School as a young man. As an adult he enjoyed the outdoors, including bass fishing and then as an avid and successful deer hunter over many years. He also enjoyed golf throughout his adult life and achieved a rare hole-in-one on the 5th hole at Bremen’s Sprig O’Mint course. Raymond was also an accomplished woodworker who enjoyed building hardwood furniture, shelves and many craft items such as children’s wagons and various wooden toys. Raymond spent the majority of his working career in the bearing industry, first with Bremen Bearing and then Universal Bearing in Bremen. He also served ten years in the U.S. Army Reserve during his career. He retired from Universal Bearing in 1996 after many years of service as supervisor and then plant manager.  Raymond and Wanda were active members of the First Baptist Church in Bremen for over 60 years. Raymond served the church as both a Trustee and Deacon during those years. Visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2023 in First Baptist Church, 414E. Lincoln St., Bremen.  Funeral services will begin at 12:00 pm Thursday in the church with Pastor Mike Henry officiating. Burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery Chapel, 100 East 2nd Street, Bremen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to First Baptist Church, 414 E. Lincoln St., Bremen, IN 46506.