Edgar Francis Raseman IV, aka Bump, took his last earthly breath in the comfort of his own home and was surrounded by the love of his wife and children, after a fierce battle with mucosal melanoma. Born September 9, 1971 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ed was the kind of man that met his many struggles and health challenges head on. He wasn’t afraid of hard work or pain and he did not quit. He was resilient.

As a youth, he attended St. Augustine Elementary and was an alter boy. Later at Hackett Catholic High school, he was a stand out athlete who enjoyed football and soccer. When his own children reached school age, there was no question in his mind that they would follow in his footsteps and become the 3rd generation to attend CSGK. Ed held sincere respect and gratitude for his Catholic foundation and even though his presence in church later waned, he was a deeply spiritual individual. Tradition was important. He was sentimental, selfless, driven, hard working and loyal.

Bump also had an adventurous spirit and was always pushing the limits. He was stubborn, too. If someone said it couldn’t be done, he created a way. Most notably, when building his home, he set a massive 1000+ lb laminated beam by himself, with the aid of his own hand built contraption and ingenuity. He had will and always found a way. He also had an engineering mind that was never idle. Many will remember his sketches on random scraps of paper littered everywhere. Ed designed and fabricated his own gasified outdoor wood boiler because he tired of rebuilding the previously purchased unit. The home he built boasts his skill and craftsmanship throughout

Ed began working at a young age and quickly developed a strong work ethic, regardless of the task. He had years of tough learned experience and was often the guy others called for advice or help on various projects. He would drop everything to be present and help a friend, neighbor, or random person in need of assistance.

Bump leaves behind his devoted wife of 27 years, Dawn and their two children, Edgar F. Raseman V and Sydney A. Raseman- who truly were the light, pride and joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister Teri (Matt) Wheelright and nephews Kaden and Kyler Wheelright, along with three cousins, their spouses and children. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar F. and Lynne Raseman III, and his beloved pets, Bear and Holly.

A memorial gathering for Ed will take place at Family First Funeral & Cremation Services 52780 M-40 Marcellus, MI 49067 on Saturday, March 14th, 2026 from 3:00 - 6:00 pm. Prior to that a memorial mass will be held at St. Augustine Cathedral 542 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 on Friday, March 13th, 2026 at 10:00 am with a Lenten luncheon to follow.