Ray was raised on a produce farm in Sturtevant Wisconsin and helped run the Koser Chicken Hatchery. He apprenticed as a tool & die maker from July 1941 through May 1944 at Holm's Manufacturing of Kenosha Wisconsin with a military occupational deferment, that company being 100% engaged in war production. When our Country called all able-bodied men to join the war, he enlisted with the Navy at Great Lakes Illinois serving from May 1944 to the end of the war on the destroyer escort USS Welles participating in the American Theatre, Philippine Liberation and Asiatic Pacific Theatre receiving the Victory Metal.
After the war, he returned to his tool & die occupation and developed Ehlert Tool Mfg. in West Allis Wisconsin retiring in 1966 when he and Elsie moved to Florida. Ray had a great interest in the stock market, he opened a brokerage firm in Pompano Beach Florida with two partners and was active in the firm for several years. His stock market interest and participation continued for the rest of his life, options trading becoming his forte. When the market closed on Fridays he always looked forward to Mondays, no market on the weekends!
Square dancing was a passion for Ray & Elsie. They met at a roller rink in Rockford, Illinois. Each was a member of the Mercury Roller Club where they became a skating twosome attending many dance events throughout their courtship, square dancing in later years became one of their favorite pastimes. They danced with the Orange Blossoms and Rebel Devils regularly participating in local activities as well as traveling to annual conventions in their motorhome.
Ray and Elsie's greatest place in the whole world was their Canadian retreat on Caribou Lake in Armstrong, Ontario where they spent every summer and fall from the time the lake ice went out until it was due back, a few years not making it out before the lake started icing. They loved the remoteness of it, there were no roads to it the only access 25 miles by boat (45 minutes) or fly in. In the over 40 years they enjoyed their time there, they transformed the original bare bones "fish camp cabin" into a warm, cozy, comfortable summer home. Every year there was a new planned project for that summer ranging from repairing damage caused by winter ice to the log cribbing supporting the docks and boathouse to additions and improvements to the cabin.
For several years, in addition to the summers they spent in Canada, they lived and traveled the US in their motorhome, the motorhome caravan tour to Alaska being one of their favorite adventures.
Ray is survived by his daughter Joy Dykes of Cocoa, FL, son Randy (Lynda) Koser of Brooksville, FL, and sister-in-law Theresa Koser of Sturtevant, WI. In addition to his parents, Frederick and Lydia Koser, he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Elsie; his 3 brothers Albert, Ervin and Robert; and 2 sisters-in-law Bernice and Arlene. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church Merritt Island FL.
Live stream of the Celebration of Life Service Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 2:00 pm: https://www.youtube.com/@faithlutheranmerrittisland7469/streams
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