Raymond Heller

Raymond Frederick Heller, age 82, of Coloma, passed away early Sunday morning, Dec. 22, 2013 at St. Clare Meadows, Baraboo after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 25, 1931 in Waushara County, the son of Frederick and Tina (Reibe) Heller. Ray graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1949 and worked at a nursery after high school. In 1952, he entered the U.S. Army and served in Korea for two years as a Radio operator transcribing Morse code. He was discharged as Sergeant in the RHG 27th Infantry Regiment. Ray met Ann Leach at an outing in Hancock and they were later married on August 7, 1955 at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Coloma. They were blessed with two daughters and 58 years of marriage. Ray lived and worked in Coloma, first as manager of Follett & Leach, then he worked as a potato farmer and later he was employed by the Village of Coloma in the Parks Department. He enjoyed camping, playing cards, yard work, and feeding the birds. He loved his family and enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ray was a longtime member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Coloma and Rogers-Oestreich American Legion Post 343, Hancock/Coloma. He is survived by his wife, Ann S. Heller, Coloma; two daughters, Renee(Mike) Lefever, Coloma, Terri (Jeff) Blada, Baraboo; grandchildren, Heather (Randy) Appell, New Lisbon, Sara (Shaun) Hankermeyer,Green Bay, Cory Blada, Eric Blada, Allison Blada, all of Baraboo;
great grandchildren, Savannah, Amanda and Kaitlynn; two brothers,Marvin Heller, Coloma, Harvey (Joanne) Heller, Wisconsin Rapids; two sisters, Irene (Norman) Jensen, Wisconsin Rapids, Evie (Donald) Roehl, Kellner. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister-in-law, Nancy Heller. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Krszyzaniek and the staff of St. Clare Hospital, St. Clare Meadows and Home Health United Hospice. Thank you for treating Ray with care and dignity he so deserved. Thanks also for your tenderness, compassion and expertise through Ray's journey. So many times he spoke of how much he cared and appreciated the staff. God bless you all.
Ray's journey and final days were surrounded with love from his family. Rest in peace Ray, Dad & Gramps. You are forever in our hearts. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Calvary United Methodist Church in Coloma with Rev. Laverne Larsen officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Hillside Cemetery in Coloma. Visitation will be held on Friday at the Church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. The Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements. www.wautomafuneralhome.com



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