Roman "Ray" Chevatal Obituary (1928 - 2014)

Roman "Ray" Chevatal, age 85, of Menomonie, WI peacefully departed this life on Monday, March 31, 2014 at Colfax Health and Rehabilitation. He was born on Dec. 3, 1928 in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Helen (Balaban) Chevatal, and moved to Radisson, WI in 1945 when his parents started the "Chevatal Inn". Ray served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1948 to 1952 which included time in the Korean War and during that time became a member of the "Frozen Chosen", ending his enlistment with the rank of "Buck" Sergeant. Ray met his future –one and only- love of his life, wife, Sharon, while fishing the Chippewa at Radisson. They were married on Aug. 30, 1952. Sharon preceded him in death in January of 1991, after 39 years of marriage. For 39 years, Ray worked at Uniroyal, most of that time as a tire builder, retiring in 1991. He loved all the "outdoor stuff", hunting, camping, fishing, but really enjoyed roughing it in his motorhome. Ray is survived by a son, Randy (Sheila) Chevatal; a daughter, Renee Chevatal; grandson, Travis (Kim) Chevatal; two granddaughters, Candysse (Derek) Stavnaw and Shannon Radle; great-grandchildren, Braiden Ray Chevatal, Payton Rose Stavnaw, Ciara Nicole Chevatal, Lilah Rae Stavnaw, Korbin Dale Chevatal, Sophia RhyAnne Stavnaw and Jase Randy Chevatal; a cousin, who was like a sister, Betty Granica of Ojibwa, WI; brother-in-law, Sam (Jeanne) Krause of Colfax; sister-in-law, Sandy Butterfield of New Auburn, WI; and also leaves behind many other cousins, nephews, nieces and friends to mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; infant daughter, Rhonda, his dog, Boots and parents, George and Helen "Sally" Chevatal. REMEMBER … "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming — wow — What a Ride!" A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie with Pastor Robin Bucklin officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Olson Funeral of Menomonie is serving the family