Raymond F Cyra

Raymond Frank Cyra, 93, of Minocqua, spent his last evening with his son and daughter before passing away peacefully Saturday morning Feb. 18, 2017 at Milestone Senior Living, Woodruff.

Ray was born June 9, 1923 in Portage County to Stanley Cyra and Mary (Polly) Cyra. He grew up on a farm during the great depression where he learned mechanical skills, attained proficiency at marksmanship and hunting, and learned the value of hard work and self-reliance. He served as a paratrooper in the US Army forces occupying Japan at the end of World War II. Ray married Caroline Tadewaldt on June 12, 1948. They were married for 63 years until her death in 2011. They raised a son, Dr. Gregory Cyra, Minocqua, and a daughter, Sheree Moorman, Dayton, OH.

Ray was a master plumber. Early on he worked for Consolidated Paper Co. in Wisconsin Rapids, and then on construction projects throughout the state of Wisconsin. For over 20 years he had his own plumbing business in Port Edwards, WI. He was a boy scout leader in Port Edwards and is fondly remembered 50+ years later by the men he positively influenced. One such person, Jonathon Kurz, of Basalt, CO, upon learning of his death had this to say: “I consider him to be one of my life’s good role models and a mentor to me…. I have met few people in my life who have given so much of their time for others. While growing up he was fun and great to be around.”

Ray loved the outdoors, especially hunting, bird watching, gardening, berry picking, and family camping. Ray and Caroline took their family on several vacations to national parks, instilling a love of nature to their son and daughter. Ray had an adventurous side, taking up downhill skiing at the age of 47 and motorcycle riding at the age of 56. Ray and Caroline belonged to square dance clubs in Wisconsin Rapids and the Lakeland area and square danced across the nation. After moving to Minocqua in 1990, Ray and Caroline enjoyed watching their grandchildren, Melanie and Steven, participate in sports while they were growing up, especially basketball and waterskiing.

Ray had a remarkable ability to problem solve, build and fix things. He used these talents to help family and friends. He volunteered help for several years in mechanical maintenance at the Lakeland Senior Center. He was happiest when productive and able to generously help family, friends, and neighbors. Ray loved food and cooking, often baking and delivering treats for friends. One of his favorite sayings was “If it is difficult, we’ll get it done right away. If it is impossible, it might take a little longer.”

Ray was friendly and loved telling stories and jokes. He greatly missed Caroline after her death in 2011 and very much appreciated the kind friendship of several members of the Lakeland community. He is survived by son Dr. Gregory Cyra (Cindy) of Minocqua, daughter Sheree Moorman (Greg), of Dayton Ohio, granddaughter, Dr. Melanie Rasmussen (Derek) of Minocqua, grandson Steven Cyra of West Allis and Herb Coulthurst of Madison.

A remembrance gathering will be held Thursday Feb. 23 2017 at Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services, 1025 Margaret St., Woodruff, WI from 6 to 8 pm with a short program at 6:30.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.