Raymond E. Kemer, “Ray,” a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, accomplished salesman and a man of tremendous faith and humility, passed away on May 26, 2025, Memorial Day, after a courageous 13year battle with acute myeloid leukemia and myelofibrosis.
A longtime resident of the State of Ohio, Ray was born in Cleveland, on February 25, 1948, to Elmer and Mary (Hagesfeld) Kemer. Ray was the youngest of four boys, and he grew up in a close-knit Catholic family, where he learned the value of hard work, humility and perseverance. These principles, along with his strong faith in our Lord, guided him throughout his life.
Ray attended St. Edward High School in Cleveland, Class of 1966, and then graduated from Cleveland State University with a bachelor of business degree. Upon graduation, he began an accomplished sales and management career at AT&T for more than 25 years.
In his most recent position, and until his retirement in 2023, he worked for Lott Industries in Toledo. It was here where Ray found his greatest joy, working to build partnerships with local businesses to help find jobs for the physically and mentally challenged. At Lott Industries, Ray was able to utilize his passion for helping the disabled and combine it with his sales and marketing mentality. Ray loved walking through the facilities at Lott, talking and laughing with all the employees, and they adored him for doing this. His dedication and care for these special people began with his love and devotion to his late daughter, Mary Jane, who was physically and mentally disabled. When Ray retired, he and Carol moved to Florida, and he quickly found new ways to give back to the community. Most recently he volunteered for the Florida Cancer Center bringing donuts, smiles and prayers to both the staff and the patients.
Ray believed strongly in servant leadership. In addition to his career, he was involved in various community organizations, including Special Olympics, Wood Lane Industries and Heartland Nursing Home, just to name a few. In addition to this, Ray became a deacon and served at St. Rose Parish for more than 10 years, helping with various ministries. He enjoyed sharing his love of Christ in all aspects of his responsibilities as a deacon.
In addition to his volunteer efforts, Ray enjoyed playing golf, fishing, boating on the lakes in Michigan and playing cards, and the fellowship that came with these activities. He was passionate about family and cherished the time with his kids and grandkids on holidays, vacations and special events. He was always eager to hear from his kids and grandkids about their joys and accomplishments.
Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Diane Kemer; daughter, Mary Jane Kemer, and brother, Larry Kemer. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his children, Ann Marie (Jeff) Dougherty and Michael (Becca) Kemer; his adoring grandchildren, Clara and Ryan Dougherty, and Liam, Olivia, Luca and Owen Kemer, and his brothers, Jack (Joanne) Kemer and Bill (Marilyn) Kemer.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 East Front Street, Perrysburg, on Friday, June 27, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Lott Industries, 3350 Hill Avenue, Toledo, OH 43607, are kindly suggested for those who wish to contribute. Please mark them Attn: Tim Menke, and “in memory of Ray Kemer.” or, donate at lottserves.org.
Condolences may be made online to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.