Raymond J. Geidel, 92, of West Bend went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 5, 2015, at Lighthouse of West Bend with his family by his side.
Raymond was born on October 15, 1923, to the late Frederick and Alma (nee Geidel) Geidel in Parkston, South Dakota. On August 16, 1947, he was united in marriage to Elizebeth Schulz at St. John’s Lutheran in Mattoon, Wisconsin.
Raymond was a WWII veteran and served his country as a cook in the U.S. Navy. After his military service Raymond spent the greater majority of his career working as a carpenter alongside his father and brothers at Geidel Brothers Construction. It was his love for construction that allowed Raymond to help his children build their homes and help teach his grandchildren about wood working.
Raymond enjoyed spending his free time traveling with his wife Elizebeth. They were able to travel all 50 states as well as parts of Europe. Raymond enjoyed hunting and fishing and the thrill of shooting a big buck. He harvested his last buck at 88 years of age while bow hunting. Raymond’s greatest joy about hunting was being able to share his hunting stories with anyone who was willing to listen.
Raymond was very involved in his church. He served on several committees at both St. John’s of Newburg and Good Shepherd of West Bend. Raymond was always ready and willing to help where ever he was needed. Raymond was able to participate in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in 2012 with his son.
Those Raymond leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 68 years, Elizebeth; six children, Julie (Vince) Toman of Waukesha, Jacalyn (Ron) Kempf of West Bend, Jill (Ken) Bagby of Shelby, North Carolina, Jane (Michael) Schultz of West Bend, Fred (Meredith) Geidel of West Bend and Mike (Pam) Geidel of West Bend; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Willard (Ruth) Geidel of Mequon and Ronald (Sharon) Geidel of Beechwood; two brothers-in-law, Doug Koenig of Wausau and Alfred (Patricia) Schulz of Antigo; a sister-in-law, Lucille Geidel of Newburg, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Raymond was preceded in death by a great-grandchild, Phoebe Schultz; three brothers, Louis (Virginia) Geidel, Rueben (Patricia) Geidel and Norman Geidel; a sister, Elaine Koenig, two brothers-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law.
Services for Raymond will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2015, at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend. Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Fillmore Union Cemetery in Fillmore.
Raymond’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Monday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church or Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School are appreciated.
The Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Service of West Bend has been entrusted with Raymond’s arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Lighthouse of West Bend, Serenity Hospice and Amanda Moser for their wonderful care of Raymond.