Ray Dietzler W9HUT\r\nRaymond C. Dietzler, 94, of Eau Claire died on Saturday, August 28, 2010, at the Dove Healthcare Center. \r\nHe was born in Cadott, Wisconsin on March 21, 1916, to Charles and Mary (Schwetz) Dietzler. \r\nSince the age of 7 or 8, Ray was interested in building radios. He was a radio operator aboard ships for the Lakes Carriers' Association when he was just 20 years old. During WWII, he continued to sail with the Merchant Marines as an Ensign. He was sworn not to let out any military secrets that he heard over the airwaves. He sailed the east coast of the United States delivering supplies to warships as far south as Aruba. Mostly during peacetime, he sailed the Great Lakes with loads of dry cement. His main ship was the SS S.T. Crapo, which is currently in dry dock in Green Bay. He also was an amateur radio enthusiast and had his broadcast license for over 79 years.\r\nIn 1943, Ray met and married Lozamae Rivette in Zilwaukee, Michigan. The very first night Lozamae arrived from Louisiana by train he met her at a dance hall and it was love at first sight. He saw her every time he was in port that summer and fall. They married December 29 of that year and Ray was ship keeper for the winter months in Detroit Harbor. Their first home was the captain's quarters of the Crapo.\r\nWhen the war was over, Ray bought a hardware store in Cadott. He sold appliances and the "newfangled" TV sets. He would sell the TV's and when they would go on the fritz he would fix them in the customer's homes. He owned the store for 9 years, and then was hired by the new TV station in Eau Claire - WEAU. He helped build several transmitters for the company which also owns WAXX radio. Ray had fond memories of working with Elmo Reed and Bob Fallis.\r\nRay is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lozamae; two sons, John (Carol Carrillo) Dietzler of Westminster, CO, and Robert (Margi) Dietzler of Phoenix, AZ, and their daughter Erin; three daughters, Phyllis (friend Jim Marvin) Dietzler of Littleton, CO, and her son Joe Fellenz of Vail, CO, Janet (Mark) Nelson of Eau Claire, and Sue (friend Lee Cohen) Dietzler of Denver CO; three sisters, Helen (Leo) Plass of Chippewa Falls, Mary Dietzler of Cadott, and Jean Merchant of Galveston TX; his brother, Paul (Sylvia) Dietzler of Richfield, MN; sister-in-law, Delores Dietzler of Richfield, MN; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.\r\nRay was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Margaret; and three brothers, Bernard, George and Peter.\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 3, 2010, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire with Father Brian Konopa officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. There will be a Public Parish Vigil Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.\r\nBest 73's to you, Dad!

Service Information