Frett, Raymond J.

Raymond J. Frett, 86, of Atkins, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a long illness. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Jude Catholic Church. Iowa Cremation is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Lavonne “Bonnie;” five sons, Tom (Nancy) of New Prague, Minn., Jim (Marty) of Prescott, Ariz., Gary (Liz), John (Michele) and Rob (Lori), all of Cedar Rapids; sisters, Marie Salutz Conery of Chandler, Ariz. and Teresa Dullum of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and brothers, Clarence of Marion, Leo of Moline and Art of Clinton.

He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Ray was born on March 31, 1926, in Clinton, the son of August and Veronica Reuter Frett. He worked for Northwestern Bell and retired from there after more than 36 years of service.

Ray was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church, American Legion Post No. 217, the Telephone Pioneers, serving as past president of C.W.A. Local 7101. He a life member of VFW Post No 788 and proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II from 1944 to 1946.

Ray loved getting together with family and friends and spending winters in Mesa, Ariz. He enjoyed helping his sons with their projects and the time he spent with his entire family. Ray will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Catholic Church or the Oldorf Hospice House.

Please leave a message or tribute to Ray's family on the website, under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 2, 2012.