Raymond Paul Klacan

Racine – Raymond P. Klacan, 74, passed away from this life into Eternal Life, at his home on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 with family at his side, following a long and courageous battle with heart disease. Ray was born in Kenosha on April 17, 1935 to the late George Sr. and Alma Klacan. He was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School, class of ‘53, he faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in Fairbanks, Alaska during the Korean Conflict from 1954-56. On August 24, 1957 in Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church – Kenosha, Ray was united in marriage with the love of his life, Delores Ann “Dee” Hallers. He was employed by the City of Racine, retiring as City Forester when his health began to fail in 1983. Ray was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for over 40 years and the City of Racine 20 Year Club. Among his interests, he enjoyed hunting; fishing; wood carving, especially ducks, song birds and birds of prey; worldwide travelling and cruising with Dee; and appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature’s woods and lakes that surrounded his home in Northern Wisconsin. Above all, Ray loved being in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of over 52 years, Dee; their daughters, Chris (John) Poorman of Raymond; Sue (Dave) Madsen of Caledonia; and Julie (Chuck) Sauvageau of Bellingham, WA; grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) O’Brien, Dale and Kayla Kropidlowski; great-granddaughter, Adelyn Rae O’Brien; brother, George (Mary) Klacan, Jr.; sister, Karen Eue; sister-in-law, Shirley (George) Schwartz; aunt, Josephine Nance; special canine Doberman, “Greta”; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by Dee’s parents, Margaret and Noble Hallers; brother-in-law, Kenneth Hallers; several aunts, uncles and cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 2417 Drexel Ave., on Monday, January 25, 2010 at 11:30 am with Rev. Molly L. Doreza officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow at S. Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 10-11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Dr. Howard Short CHF & Cardiac Rehab Programs or to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Howard Short, for his compassionate care and friendship since 1980; and to the entire staffs of Dr. Short, Dialysis West and Cardiac Rehab for everything you have done for Ray. May God bless all of you!