Frederick VanRavenswaay

Frederick “Fred” VanRavenswaay, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior from his home in Jacksonville, Florida on August 1, 2025, at the age of 88.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life for more than 54 years, Ila Sue.

He is survived by his sons Dan, Dave & Mark (Meg), grandchildren Morgan & Mandi, and great-grandchild LiLi.

Fred was a faithful employee of the Upjohn Company for 36 years. He was well liked and highly respected. He taught by example that hard work and perseverance were essential to life.

He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, tennis, softball, and feeding the birds in his backyard.

Fred’s faith was key to his life. He served as an elder, choir director and song leader at the Gull Lake Bible Church for many years in Hickory Corners, Michigan. He also loved playing his cello in the church orchestra at both Mandarin Baptist and Fruit Cove Baptist, Jacksonville Florida.

Fred was fearless, kind, generous, unselfish, humble and had a smile for everyone he met. He loved his family with every fiber of his being and always put them before himself. He is loved and will be missed dearly.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in memory of Frederick VanRavenswaay, please consider one of his favorite charities: World Vision, which helps needy children around the word, or City Rescue Mission, which helps the homeless in NE Florida.