Raymond A. Zehel

Raymond A. Zehel, of Garden City, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the age of 41. He was born July 14, 1977 in Detroit, Michigan to Judith B. Portugal and the late Thomas J. Zehel Sr. Ray attended Queen of Apostles and graduated from Warren Mott High School. Ray was diligent just like his fathers, in all that he did. From the early age of 7 years old he worked for Krott funeral home as a greeter and funeral assistant, and for a local Hamtramck car wash. While he began managing the car wash grounds, that is where his love for landscaping pioneered. Raymond continued to work for various companies such as Vidosh and D&A Landscaping until he became an entrepreneur. Raymond founded and operated English Heritage, LLC for many successful years. Ray was the epitome of a gentlemen, and was taught and practiced the strengths of being a man. He could do anything from flooring, remodeling, and most brilliantly, brick paving. He came to know God at an early age. He served as an altar server as a raised Catholic, and later found his Christian calling and practiced his faith through reading the Bible. Ray was a dear lifelong friend to so so many. Raymond considered himself to be shy and an introvert, however, those that knew him and loved him know that he was quite the opposite. Raymond was the talented life of the party! Hobbies included being artistic in nature to such as drawing, painting, building, carpentry, and horticulture. Raymond loved the art of a deal greatly which included buying/ selling cars or trading tools. Ray will be most of all missed for being the talented life of the party, and for his laughter that he could bring to any crowd with his comedic ways. Preceded in death by his father(s), Thomas J. Zehel Sr., Ronald J. Portugal, one sister; Kathrine Zehel Penzak, two brothers; Jeffery Portugal, and Robert Portugal. Survivors include mother, Judith B. Portugal; six sisters, Kimberly, Jennifer, Sabrina, Mary, Elizabeth, Sheila; four brothers, Thomas Jr., David, Jimmy, and Ronnie; five nieces, Jessica, Kayla, Kelsea, Zaydriana, Valora, and one nephew, Kevin. And also a magnitude of family and friends. Visitation Saturday 2-8 p.m. at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc., 11470 Thirteen Mile Road (West of Hoover) Warren. Friends and family will gather Sunday from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral service, 2 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment of ashes at a later date.

Raymond A. Zehel

July 14, 1977 - May 26, 2019