Raymond W. Kirmse, 78, of Newburg, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at his residence.
He was born May 11, 1931 in Fillmore to the late Elmer and Julia (nee Ternes) Kirmse. He was united in marriage to Sally Olson on May 26, 1956 in Fredonia.
Ray proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea and he was a life member of the Waubeka V.F.W. Post #7037. He was employed as an industrial maintenance engineer for the Godfrey Sentry Foods company for many years, retiring in 1996.
He was an active member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Newburg. Ray began his days thinking of other people by picking up bakery at Sentry in Port Washington and Piggly Wiggly in Saukville and delivering it to families and organizations in need.
Ray's love of Buick vehicles, especially the Buick Roadmaster, led him to open his shop, Midwest Roadmasters. He loved working in the shop with his son, Robert, restoring antique cars.
Ray enjoyed spending his free time at Harry's Restaurant in Port Washington in the morning and Omicron Restaurant in West Bend in the evening. He loved spending time on his land, fishing and enjoying campfires with family, friends and his dog, Belle. He also enjoyed grilling out, always saying, "I'm the expert, go away." He will be deeply missed by all those he touched.
He is survived by his wife, Sally; four children, Lance Kirmse, Kelly (Dan Johnson) Kastner, Jodie Kirmse, and Robert Kirmse; five grandchildren, Amber (Ross) Hoff, Molly jo Johnson, Jake Kastner, Luke Kastner, and Garrett Johnson; a great-grandson Brent Hoff; four sisters, Blanche Batterman, Jenny Kurtz, Myrtle (Merlin) Wilkens, and Marilou (Clyde) Gerner; three brothers, Eugene (Marilyn) Kirmse, Robert (Loretta) Kirmse, and Jack (Carol) Kirmse; two sisters-in-law, Suzie Kirmse and Pam Soderlund; two brothers-in-law, Don Race, Sr. and Stan Olson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel and Winnie; a brother, Orville; and three brothers-in-law, Wally, Clarence, and Joe.
A funeral service in remembrance of Ray will be held on Thursday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Newburg. Rev. Jon Baumann will officiate and burial will follow in St. John's Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 12:00 Noon until the time of service.