Raymond Edward Burza

Raymond Edward Burza, 97, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.

He was born May 25, 1928, in Vandalia, Michigan, the son of Wojciech George Burza and Mary (Hillburger) Burza.

Raymond was a member of St. Jude's Catholic Church in Gobles and Saint Mary Catholic Church in Paw Paw. He also dedicated his time volunteering for the American Legion McGowan-Johnson Post #68 Paw Paw, The Gobles American Legion Post and the Paw Paw Knights of Columbus. He loved his community and serving when he could.

Ray loved working outdoors and tinkering, bowling with friends and traveling around the globe to see new places. Ray and his wife, Shirley enjoyed square dancing for years.

Above all else, Ray was a loving father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. His kind soul was an inspiration to all he leaves behind and he will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Julie (Chet) Boothby and Cheryl (Rick) Kroeg; son, Charles Burza; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and siblings, Loretta (Edgar) Nickols, Virginia (Lewis) Williams and Janet (Tony) Weber along with many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley (Hoger) Burza on March 1, 2021; son, Ray (Cristy) Burza; and siblings, Donald Burza, Frieda Knawa, Helen Cosby, Isadore Burza, Chester Burza, Frank Burza, Olga Smith and Evelyn Burza.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 209 N. Brown Street, Paw Paw, with Rev. Fr. Robert F. Creagan officiating. Raymond and his wife Shirley will be laid to rest at Saint Mary Cemetery immediately following.

Memorial contributions in member of Raymond may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Saint Mary Catholic Church, Wounded Warriors Project or Centrica Care Navigators.