Raymond Carl Schletz, 92

Raymond Carl Schletz, 92, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Bigfork, on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1918, at his uncle's ranch halfway between Bozeman and Livingston, although he always called Vaders, Mont., his home. He was the son of Fred and Kate (Martinz) Schletz.

Ray attended school in Vaders and Butte. He left school early to become a miner at Jardine. He joined the Army on Aug. 6, 1941, and received an honorable discharge on Sept. 27, 1945. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment. His regiment jumped behind German lines into Normandy on D-Day and later was involved in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as many other campaigns. He received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, as well as many other distinguished decorations and citations.  

After his discharge from the Army he moved to Firebaugh, Calif., and worked for Union Ice Company as an operating engineer for four years. Bill, his brother, and Ray decided to go into cotton harvesting. He remained in this business until his retirement.

Ray met his true love, Gertrude, in September of 1946. On Jan. 25, 1947, they were married in Reno, Nev. Four months later they renewed their vows in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Firebaugh, Calif., a marriage that lasted almost 64 years.

Ray and Gertrude “officially” moved to Bigfork Jan. 9, 1986, after their son Joe had constructed their home. It was always with much pride that they told everyone that Joe had built their home.  

Ray was always active in his community. While living in Firebaugh, he was the Assistant Fire Chief of the Fire Dept. After moving to Bigfork, he became the “Chief Bulb Turner” for the Bigfork Elves. His garage had a special area in which he replaced the burnt-out bulbs used to decorate the village during the holidays.

Ray was also a member of the Flathead Valley Jazz Society, loved to hunt and fish, and was an active member of his beloved parish, Pope John Paul II Catholic Church.

But perhaps many people will remember Ray for his dancing. For over 25 years, Ray and Gertie went to the Bigfork Inn on Friday and Saturday nights and joined their friends for an evening of dancing. Even after Ray's ankles became weak, he would tape them and put on his favorite pair of shoes and off they would go to the inn.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, William.

He is survived by his wife, Gertrude; and his son, Joe of Kalispell; grandchildren, Phillip Schletz of Missoula, Katie Saili and her husband, of Corvallis, Ore., Dan Schletz of Alaska, and Annie Schletz of Couperville, Wash.

A rosary for Ray will be at 9:30 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Tuesday, Jan. 11, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork. Visitation will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork, with full Military Honors conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Samaritan House, 124 Ninth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ray's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Ray's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.