Raymond Heller

VISITATION:

10-11 a.m., Saturday, January 5 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel.

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Saturday, January 5 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

Raymond J. Heller, 84, of 8231 163rd St., Chippewa Falls, town of Eagle Point, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls.

He was born February 16, 1928 in Almena to Helena (Weise) and Joseph Heller. He graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Eau Claire in 1946.

Ray married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ricci (Ritchie) on February 13, 1947 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Eau Claire.

He served in the US Army Signal Corps, in Alaska from September 27, 1946 until being honorably discharged August 8, 1949. After his military service, Ray began working for the telephone company. He retired in 1986 after 37 serving years in the Duluth area with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. He and Liz moved to Chippewa Falls in 1990 where they have since resided.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Liz; two daughters, Joanne Singer of Duluth, MN, Barbara (Richard) Johnson of Champlin, MN; a son, Michael (Susan) Heller of Red Wing, MN; six grandchildren, Matthew (Jennifer) Heller, Amy (Kong) Hwong, Todd (Jennifer) Jacobson, Stacy (Paul) Hegstrom II, Marie (Bryan) Strawser, Adam Johnson; nine great-grandchildren, Adah Heller, Paul Hegstrom III, Abby Hegstrom, Eric Hegstrom, Benjamin Jacobosn, Nicholas Jacobson, Kobe Hwong, Chloe Hwong and Meaghan Strawser; two sisters, Margaret (William) Berman of Eau Claire, Rosemary (Larry) Freehling of Chippewa Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Clem and Larry Heller.

Ray was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt. He also loved bowling, feeding the birds, nature and Minnesota sports teams. He lived life his way.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 5 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls with Rev. Gary Paul officiating. Spring interment will be in St. Bridget's Cemetery, town of Seymour, Eau Claire County.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral chapel.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Joseph's Hospital, Chippewa Falls would be appreciated.