Raymond John Wieringa

Raymond John Wieringa, US Army Major, Ret., a resident of Odenton, MD, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center. He was 62. Raymond was born on November 1, 1962, in Baltimore, MD, and was the son of the late Johannes Jan Wieringa and Daisy (nee Mente) Wieringa.

Raymond served his country proudly.  In 1980 Raymond joined the National Guard.  In 1984 after graduating from the University of Baltimore, Raymond received his United States Army Commission of Second Lieutenant, Infantry.  In 1986, he married his college sweetheart Melanie and together they enjoyed a fully paid for honeymoon destination at Ft. Lee Barracks Mainz, Germany.  The honeymoon lasted until 1987 when Raymond left active duty and returned home.

Upon returning home, Ray joined the Army Reserves and stayed with the Reserves until he retired with 30 years of service in 2010.  During that time he served with the 11th Special Forces Group jumping out of, (as Melanie said) “perfectly working helicopters and planes for fun”

After the 11th Group disbanded, Ray joined the 312th Psychological Ops Company and finally the 352 Civil Affairs Command.  It was with the 352 Raymond was deployed during Operation Enduring Iraqi Freedom.  It was in Iraq, Raymond was awarded a Bronze Star. Upon returning home, Raymond was promoted to 352 HHC Company Commander.

For many years while a Reservist, Raymond also worked as a Department of Defense Military Technician. Upon his retirement in 2010, Raymond worked for awhile in the private sector but wanted to again serve his country.  Raymond was rehired by the Federal Government as an Administrative Specialist with the United States Secret Service.  It was with the Secret Service, Raymond found the job of his dreams.  Raymond truly loved working for the Uniformed  Division of the Secret Service but in truth he loved serving with the dedicated men and women of the Uniform Division even more.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Melanie Wieringa; devoted siblings, Grace Gerwe (Bruce), Joan McCarty (David), Martin Wieringa and Hans Wieringa; kind brother-in-law, Daniel Baseman and two very special nephews, Brian Gerwe (Hollie), their daughters Sophie and Bella and Justin Gerwe (Kristian)

A Memorial Gathering will take place at the Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 pm. Interment with military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, dontations can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.