Obituary of Raymond M. Hess

Raymond M. Hess, 86 of 2420 Crestview Avenue, Iowa City died Monday, October 20, 2008, at Mercy Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2008, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7pm Wednesday at the funeral home where members of the Iowa City Fire Department will provide funeral honors. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Iowa City Hospice. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Raymond Melvin Hess was born December 30, 1921, in Iowa City, the son of George L. and Clara (Bollie) Hess. He married Gretchen L. Villhauer on April 10, 1942, here in Iowa City. For over 28 years he served his community as an Iowa City Fireman, retiring as Captain in 1977. He also enjoyed his work with Shay Electric as an electrician for over 20 years. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church in Iowa City, Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge #695, and the American Legion Post #17. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, playing cards with family and friends, and shooting a good round of golf! His family includes Gretchen’s and his, they are sisters-in-law, Joan Hummer of Oxford, Mary Villhauer, Dorothy Villhauer, Masie Villhauer all of Iowa City and Winnie Croskey of Tama; brothers-in-law, Donald Villhauer and his wife, Marcia of Tipton, and Bob Svatos of Tipton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Susan Rae Hess; wife of over 63 years, Gretchen; sister, Betty Conners, and brother, Melvin Croskey. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Ray’s family and his services.