William L Ray

William L. Bill Ray, 81 of La Crosse passed away on Friday, May 23, 2014 at Clarebridge of La Crosse. He was born in La Crosse on July 7, 1932 to Lloyd and Marion Miller. He married Donna Mae Nichols in Winona Minn. on September 5, 1953. Bill had proudly served his country with the United States Navy aboard the USS Missouri during the Korean War and was a lifetime member of the DAV and a member of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 La Crosse. He was a proud and loving family man whos greatest joy was being surrounded by his loving family. In addition to his wife Donna Mae of Onalaska, he is survived by two daughters Roxanne (Ed) Modahl of Alexandria, Minn., Julie (Dan Eckman) Ray of Onalaska, two sons Steve (Lynn) Ray of La Crosse, William Bill (Mariann Schultz) Ray Jr. of La Crosse, six grandchildren; Jessica and Nate Ray, Michael and Collin Modahl, Cassandra Ray, Brandon Ray, four great grandchildren and one sister Phyllis Smith of La Crosse. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronnie and Irvin and one sister Joyce. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at Shepherd of The Hills Lutheran Church in Onalaska. Pastor Donald Stein will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family Wednesday morning at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Bills memory.