Raymond Pizinger

RAYMOND J. PIZINGER

Cedar Rapids

Raymond J. Pizinger, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died early Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center. Funeral Mass: 9 a.m. Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial: St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, where a vigil service begins at 6:30 p.m.

Ray is survived by his children, Kathy (Don) Frey, The Villages, Fla., Jean (Steve) Etten, Covington, and Terry (Terri) Pizinger, Ely; stepson, Brad Collins, West Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Brian (Karen Seymour) Frey, Jennifer Morris, Nate (Kaly) Etten and Natalie (fiance Brian Hall) Etten; and great-grandchildren, Ryan Frey, Alaina Etten, Parker Kate Etten, Collins Janeen Etten, Emma Benson, Hailey Hall and Nathan Hall.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; parents, Joseph and Celia (Pechota) Pizinger; and three brothers, Ernest, Edmond and Donald Pizinger.

Ray grew up working with his parents on the family farm in northeast Iowa. After military service, he relocated to Cedar Rapids and eventually established Management Consultants Co. in 1973, retiring from there in 1990.

Ray was an Army veteran of the Korean War and had the opportunity to go on the Veterans Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and a eucharistic minister, volunteering at Mercy Medical Center for several years.

Ray loved to travel in his motorhome, find new places and meet people. He had many friends in the farm and antique tractor community as well as being involved in the antique car club. His passion to stay in motion, and enjoy his favorite activities lasted to nearly his last day on earth.

Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Moomey-Vogel Post 727.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under "obituaries."