Raymond Elsworth Birmele

Raymond Elsworth Birmele, 76, of Hartford passed away Nov. 13, 2024, after a long battle with the many complications of Agent Orange exposure he received while serving in Vietnam. Raymond was born Oct. 16, 1948, in Watervliet, Mich., the son of Marvin E. and Mary Ann (Bodine) Birmele, who both preceded him in death.

Raymond was a lifetime resident of Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School in 1966. He was a 1968 graduate of Ferris State University earning a degree in engineering, before joining the United States Navy and serving two years in Vietnam as a proud member of the U.S. Navy Seabees. Immediately upon returning from Vietnam, he met the love of his life, DiAnn Macie Coss, and they were married June 7, 1970. DiAnn preceded him in death in 2011. He is survived by his two daughters, Andrea Lynn (Steven) Harmon of Hartford, Mich., and Candace Marie (Justin) Williams of Battle Creek, Mich., as well as six grandchildren: Logan, Andrew, Austin, Alexis, Zachary and Sonny, as well as three great-grandchildren: Aiden, Braylon and Aaliyah. In addition, he was expecting a new great-grandson to be added to the family very soon. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald Birmele of Hartford, Mich.

Raymond loved fast cars and drag racing, spending most of his life working on Fords and racing his beloved Mustangs and Fairlanes. He was also an entrepreneur who had several successful businesses including Pro Slot Racing, Fantom Raceway and Games. Local kids called it "The Fantom" and spent their spare time hanging out with friends playing arcade games and buying candy and snacks before and after school. He created Fantom Motors, where he developed and manufactured miniature engines and built a dynamometer diagnostic tool (based on the dynamometers used in NASCAR racing) for the R/C racing industry. He loved to travel the world promoting his racing business and highly sought after Fantom engines for the R/C racing industry.

In his later years, he found a love for technology and created Fantom Computer Systems, a custom-built home desktop. This new venture led him to open Cyber Solutions, Inc. in 1995, where he was the first internet service company local to Van Buren and Berrien counties. Ray retired in 2003, due to increasing health complications from the war and spent the rest of his life tinkering with cars and traveling with his wife DiAnn. They loved trips to Las Vegas and went as often as they could. After DiAnn's passing, he spent his time watching races, tinkering in his shop, and found a great love of cooking, watching every cooking show he could find and creating his own special recipes.

As per Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will be held on a future date at Fort Custer in Battle Creek, Mich. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with handling the arrangements. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.