Raymond Peter Spies, 66, of Eau Claire, was called to his eternal home on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family after over a year-long bout fighting pancreatic cancer. Ray is survived by his loving wife Mary, two children Jerry (Shari) and their children EJ and Natalie, Ken (Karla) and their children Jacob, Brittany, Nathan, and Brandon all of whom live in Eau Claire. He is further survived by his brother Ron (Barb) Spies and his sister Barb (Mike) Briggs who reside in Fond du Lac, WI and by nieces and nephews. \r\nRay was born June 3, 1942 in Chicago, IL to Helmuth and Erna Spies (Stoeger). At the age of six, his family moved to Fond du Lac, WI. It was in Fond du Lac where Ray grew up and graduated from Goodrich High School. On December 8, 1962, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Mary Priest. They spent the next 46 plus years together facing life's challenges and enjoying uncountable memorable experiences.\r\nIn 1973, Ray and family moved to Eau Claire for Ray to take a position with an insurance company as a field representative. It was during the next ten years that Ray became passionately interested in working with people to improve their leadership and life skills. In 1982, Ray founded Development Associates USA. Throughout the 26 years the company has been in business, Ray and his team has worked throughout the United States, Canada, and Pacific Rim countries helping people and companies improve their performance and profitability. Ray was extremely passionate about his work. \r\nRay and Mary loved the outdoors enjoying God's creations. They were avid boaters having been all over Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Mississippi River, and countless inland lakes. Eight years ago, they stared a new adventure, seeing the USA from the seat of a motorcycle. Ray often said that the only way to see our wonderful country is from a motorcycle, and they did.\r\nRay was actively involved in the community and church. In 2007, Ray received the "Church Man of the Year" award from the First Presbyterian Church for work he had done over the years. In 2008, Ray received the "Volunteer of the Year" award from the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce. Those who knew Ray knew he was always busy doing something. Seldom would you find him sitting on a couch doing nothing. He always wanted to be known as a person who made a difference. \r\nRay enjoyed his family, his church family, and his friends. He enjoyed helping where and when he could. Ray will be deeply missed. \r\nRay was preceded in death by his parents.\r\nFuneral services will be held Saturday, February 21 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour before the service at First Presbyterian Church, Eau Claire with Pastor Eric Nielsen officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph Road Eau Claire, WI, and one hour prior to services, Saturday, also at the church.\r\nRay and family requests memorials be directed to Ray Spies Memorial Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI or St. Joseph's Hospital Home Hospice in Chippewa Falls.

Service Information