Raymond Melvin Norris, 90

Raymond Melvin Norris, 90, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, surrounded by his family, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, of natural causes.

Ray was born on Dec. 28, 1922, at Lake Five to Royal and Effie (Halberg) Norris.

Ray was a World War II veteran with the U.S. Army 390 AAA European Theater from 1943 to 1946.

Ray married Ella May Schroeder; together they had four children, Pamela, Karen, Renae and Randy, and they later divorced.  

At a young age Ray worked for the railroad cutting ice blocks from Lake Five and was a heavy equipment operator with the Local Operating Engineers. He also joined the Eagles Aires and was a member for 70 years.

Ray enjoyed his family, playing solitaire, going for Sunday drives and football.

“We love you and you are going to be greatly missed, and as you always said, ‘Be good now.’”

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, William, Harold, Earl, “Bucky,” and Clifford, and his sisters, Mildred Lehr, Dorothy Berky and Verna Landon.

He is survived by his children and family, Pam and Marvin Maley, Karen Stahlberg, Renae and Shannon Obieglo, and Randy and Tina Norris; and brother, Alfred; grandchildren, Chandra and Shane Schnetter, Danielle and Luke Zigler, Nichole and Colin Niederstadt, Chad Stahlberg and Jacob Wood; great-grandchildren, Austin and Jacob Schnetter, Payton, Mckenna and Lucey Zigler, and Jack, Cloe and Ella Niederstadt; and many nieces and nephews.

At Ray’s request there will be no service. Please join us for a gathering of family and friends that will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 20, at the Eagles Main Floor to celebrate Ray’s life.

The family suggest memorial donations be given to the Veterans Food Pantry in Ray’s honor.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ray’s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Ray’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.