Raymond Walsh

Raymond Walsh, age 86, of Varina, Iowa died Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society in Newell, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 11, 2014 at 10:30 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina, Iowa. Burial will follow in the St. Columbkille Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place Thursday, July 10, 2014 from 5-8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 5:30 and a vigil service at 7:30 all at St. Columbkiil Catholic Church in Varina. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Michael Raymond Walsh III was born on February 24, 1928, in rural Fonda, Iowa, the son of Michael Raymond Walsh II and Agnes (Fuchs) Walsh. Growing up, Ray attended school in Varina, graduating from St. Columbkille Catholic School in 1946. On September 20, 1946, Ray was inducted into the United States Army. Following basic training, he was sent to Japan during which time he served a 30 day tour as a guard at the Main Gate of the Palace of Emperor Hirohito. He was honorably discharged on June 12, 1947. Following his service, he was employed by the Pocahontas County REC. When the Korean War broke out former service men who had not previously served at least one year in the service were called up first. Ray was drafted for the second time on December 12, 1950, and was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Next, his battalion went to Frankfurt, Germany for one year, where he was involved in the reconstruction of telephone lines and all communications. He was honorably discharged on November 8, 1952 with the rank of Sergeant First Class. On August 21, 1954, Ray was united in marriage to Ruth Margaret (Kemmer) Walsh at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Iowa. Together they were blessed with six children: Annette, Michael R. IV, Mark, Patricia, Joan, and Gary. Throughout his life, Ray was a Contract United States Mail Carrier and worked as a Saladmaster salesman. He was also a very successful owner-operator of Walsh Cold Storage Locker Plant in Varina until his retirement. On June 26, 2014, Ray entered the Good Samaritan Society of Newell, after an illness. Ray was passionate about being involved in the Varina American Legion, which he was member of for 62 years. He was a volunteer fireman in Varina for many years and also was a loyal life-time member of the St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina. Mass was a priority to Ray throughout his entire life. In his spare time, Ray took many fishing trips to Canada, Minnesota, and South Dakota as well as other long vacation trips. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working in the yard and garden, and traveling with Ruth for her daily “fix” of cappuccino. Ray and Ruth made many memories over the years wintering in Arizona. Ray was also a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. Most of all, Ray loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Ruth Walsh of Varina, Iowa; children: Annette (Gary) Devereaux of Fonda, Iowa; Michael Raymond (Vicky) Walsh IV of Gilbert, Arizona; Mark (Debbie) Walsh of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Patricia Christenson of Spencer, Iowa; Joan (Jay Gutierrez) Walsh of Glendale, Arizona; Gary (Camie) Walsh of West Bend, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Ryan (Melissa), Amanda, and Kristine Devereaux; Joshua J. (Cynthia), Michael Raymond V (Carrie), Katrina, and Cassondra Walsh; Adam (Megan) and Amy Walsh, Ashley (Danny) Hewitt; Heather (Jason) Polzine, Jamie and Emily Christenson; Nickolaus, Austin, and Sydney Walsh; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Anne Marie Gehlsen; brother, Clair (Shirley) Walsh; extended family and many friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis (Jack) Walsh; and sister, Jean Wood.

Raymond Walsh

February 24, 1928 - July 8, 2014