Raymond J. Etzler, 86

Raymond J. Etzler, 86, passed away on Nov. 9, 2010, in Kalispell. Ray was born Sept. 7, 1924, in Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Ray was a backhoe operator, who enjoyed being outdoors. He married Alice Zierman on Jan. 30, 1947. Although Ray will be greatly missed, God was preparing us. Months ago, 6-year-old Asa told Ray, "Grandpa, when God takes you to heaven, you won't have diabetes anymore. Special thanks to all who cared for him, for prayers and emotional support. We release Ray to the Heavenly Father, knowing we shall see him again with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Ray is survived by his wife, Alice; sisters, Marie Rosenow and Donna Friedrichs; daughter, Patricia Duncan; sons, Larry Etzler and wife Karen, and Jim Etzler and wife Bev; seven grandchildren, Jenny Miller and husband Dave, Jerry Etzler, Michael Etzler and wife Jenna, Bryan Etzler, Ryan Etzler, Laura Roberts and husband Adam, and Sarah Etzler; and five great-grandchildren, Brittany Etzler, Asa Roberts, Fierra Roberts, Gavin and Ethan Miller. A celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.