Raymond A. Schlais

Raymond A. Schlais, age 88, died Friday, August 12, 2005 at Franciscan Care Center in Appleton. Ray was born in Antigo on June 18, 1917, son of the late Anton and Marie (Kubczyk) Schlais. Following high school, Ray began work in the Cary Mine near Hurley, and worked there for over fifteen years. On January 23, 1943, he married the former Annarene Filek; she survives. During World War II, Ray served three years in the United States Army, and was stationed in Europe in the 64th Field Hospital. Currently, he was a member of the Freedom V.F.W. Post 7692, where he once been the quartermaster for several years. In his mid 40’s Ray resumed his education at Gogebic Junior College and later at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, and for over seventeen years taught industrial arts at the Freedom High School, retiring in the early 1980’s. He enjoyed traveling with Annarene, woodworking, and fishing.

Ray is survived by his wife: Annarene Schlais of Appleton; two daughters: Anna (Leon) Dombrowski of Ripon and Linda (Richard) DeRoche of Waupaca; two grandsons: David (Alishia) DeRoche of Klamath Falls, Oregon and their son Mauricio; and Steven (Sarah) De Roche of Ocala, Florida; a brother: Alvin “Sonny” (Helen) Schlais of Appleton; a sister: Bernice Schultz of Morton Grove, Illinois; two sisters-in-law: Marian Cayer and Gertrude Schlais, both of Hurley. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Eugene Schlais and Anthony Schlais, a sister Elsie (Art) Hogland, and a half-brother Jerry Schlais.

A memorial funeral liturgy for Ray will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 18, 2005 at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH – DARBOY, W5831 County Road KK, with Fr. Tom Pomeroy officiating. Inurnment will follow in the parish cemetery, with members of the Freedom VFW Post providing military honors. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the entire staff at Franciscan Care Center. Although Ray’s stay was short, your love and concern was excellent and we will never forget how well he was cared for. Thanks also to Ray’s colleague and dear friend John Schwaller, for everything he did for Ray and the family over the years. He was Ray’s favorite fishing companion and most trusted friend. John, thank you for being there.