Ray & Anita Smedul

Anita passed away on September 11, 2015 and Ray on April 1, 2016, both in Denton, TX. Visitation will be Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. at McLaren’s Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. with military honors at Resthaven Cemetery following the service.

Anita was born August 19, 1928 in Little Falls, MN to Arthur and Cathryne Schauble. After high school she obtained her Registered Nursing degree from St. Francis School of Nursing in Minnesota. For a short time, she worked as a nurse at a hospital in San Antonio, TX before joining the U. S. Army Nurse Corps. She was stationed in Texas before being assigned to the U.S. Army of Occupation 10th Field Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany. She spent 26 months stationed there, and during this time she met her future husband, Ray Smedul.

Ray was born June 20, 1928 in Chicago, IL to William and Lucy Smedul. He was very proud of his Latvian heritage and spoke the language fluently. He graduated from the University of WI with a degree in Agronomy. Athletics were an important part in his life, as he played football in high school as well as played for the Wisconsin Badgers. Ray served in the U.S. Army of Occupation 80th Veterinary F.I.D, and it was there he met his future wife, Anita.

They were married in Pierz, MN on June 11, 1955 and were the best of friends for the next 60 years; and together raised two daughters, Roxann and Shelly.

Anita is survived by her sister, Iolaine (Robert) Benson of San Antonio, TX; Ray and Anita are survived by their two daughters, Roxann (Ken) Zoromski of Wausau, WI and Shelly (Jay) Lewis of Davidson, NC; three grandsons, Zach Zoromski, Spencer & Conner Lewis, who will be serving as Honorary Pallbearers for their Grandparents; and many nieces and nephews.