Obituary of Raymond James Lacina

Raymond J. Lacina, 64, longtime Solon area farmer died Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at his home surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon with the Reverend David Wilkening officiating. Burial with military honors will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Solon. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the church where a parish vigil service will be said at 7 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Parish Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. In addition to mass offerings, memorial donations can be made in Ray’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or Camp Courageous in Monticello. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at www.gayandciha.com. Raymond James Lacina was born April 22, 1944, in Iowa City the son of George and Lavina (Winkel) Lacina. Following graduation from Regina High School in 1962, he served in the Army reserves. On November 27, 1965, Ray was united in marriage to Bonnie L. Koss at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon. They have spent their marriage raising their family, living their faith, and farming the land, all abundant blessings that Ray and Bonnie are so thankful for. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Solon, having served as president of the Parish Council;a member of Knights of Columbus, Solon American Legion, former president of the Solon School Board, served as a trustee for Cedar Township, director on the Johnson County Extension Council; member of both the Johnson County Sheep and Pork Producers Board; former member of the Johnson County Mutual Insurance Board, and a director on the Dollars for Scholars Board. In 1972 he received the Johnson County Young Farmer of the Year award. Ray’s family includes his loving wife of 43 years, Bonnie; their children, Debbie Suchomel (Ryan) of Solon; Matt Lacina (fiancé Jess Clabby) of Cedar Rapids; and Kim Frees (Nate) of Solon; three grandchildren, Makayla and Emilee Suchomel, and Isabel Frees; Raymond’s brothers, Francis Lacina (Rita) of Iowa City, Don Lacina (Marilyn) of West Branch, and Steve Lacina (Julie) of Iowa City; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Koss of Solon; sister-in-law, Lori Lacina of Iowa City; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Duane M. Lacina; father-in-law, Edward Koss; nieces, Diane Lacina and Tammy Heathman, and two siblings in infancy. Ray will be remembered as a good neighbor and friend, a man who loved the land, a loving husband, devoted and proud father and a wonderful grandpa who cherished all the memories made with his little love bugs and Grandpa’s Buddy. His family was his life, his pride and joy which gave him much happiness. His family would like to express their sincere thanks to all the generous help, many acts of kindness, and all the prayers for Ray and his family over the past years, they will always remember this! Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Ray’s family and his services.