Raymond Wuertz Jr. by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Eight

Mom, I know this is hard, and you and Dad shared a Love for each other for 54 years, your Love for Family and Faith was a true example of your commitment to each other from the start.  Karen, I and our families want you to know we are always here for you.  So, Mom, please lean on us and we will lean on you, and together we will make it through.  Dad instilled a Love of Faith in the Lord and that is where our strength will come from.  We know Dad has gone to be with the Lord and we find comfort in that, but he is also here with us.  He is in our hearts where we carry him with us everyday.  

I love you Dad and you will be greatly missed.  We know that you are in Heaven and that this is not goodbye but see you later.  

Tim

Raymond Wuertz Jr. by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Seven

We spent this past year making many memories that I will cherish.  Dad, Mom, Karen's family, Leticia, Christian and I, along with Bethany's boyfriend Jorge, Christian's girlfriend Nessa and Luke's girlfriend Valerie would get together almost every Sunday spending the day at the beach or at our home by the pool or Karen's home playing games and just enjoying family time.  I will always remember Dad going in the water and playing around  Dad was a kid at heart. 

Dad always had a willingness to try new things.  The things that were usually tried by the younger generation, like skiing, running races and hiking Half Dome at the age of 67.  I was so glad that Dad went, I didn't really train for this hike, so I was glad when dad took a break. That just meant that I could take a much needed break too.  Dad always tried to stay in shape jogging 2 miles, 3 x's a week or more.  

Dad was a simple man who was very content with what he had.  He lived his life through his Christian Faith. His daily walk with the Lord was a true example of that Faith to all who crossed his path.  My Dad was very thoughtful, honest, caring and loving.  Dads actions spoke louder than words.  My Dad knew the important things in life were: His serving and walk with the Lord, his relationships with his family and his generosity towards others.  

Dad is a person that we have all come to love and cherish throughout the years.  The outpouring of love from family and friends who have reached out with phone calls, cards and those who have come to pay their last respects is only a testimony to the lives he has personally touched.   

My dad was someone I have always looked up to, admired and respected, never wanting to disappoint him and always wanting to make him proud.  

Raymond Wuertz Jr. by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Six

Another memory is Dad teaching me to drive in the Dodge truck.  I remember taking the drivers seat, pressing on the gas and letting out the clutch, the car didn't move.  Needless to say, I hadn't even started the truck at that point.  I remember Dad saying, that's it, let's go home.  Dad was definitely patient. Also a great memory of teaching me to drive on the winding roads of Carbon Canyon where we would stop to get a soda at the general store, our destination spot before driving home. 

Dad also helped me start up a rototilling business. He even let me use his tiller.  Dad went out and bought the material to help build a platform and ramps for my truck.  Dad also developed my business cards with a catchy phrase, "Quality Work at Reasonable Prices".  To this day I still have one of those cards.  

Dad was a good listener at times when I needed him the most.  Dad always gave me sound advice and he always assured me things were going to be okay which gave such comfort in knowing he was always there for me. 

Dad had such a love for cars and I always enjoyed going to the car shows with him and the memories he would share along the way about the cars he had and grew up with.  One year while attending a car show in the Bay area, Christian must have been about 2 years old and had a fascination with Volkswagen Bugs and pleaded with us to get into the green VW Beetle. Dad really got a kick out of that. 

Let's not forget his Love for Dogs...Big and Small.  It seems we always had a dog throughout the years.  He would randomly stop and talk to people out walking their dogs, asking what kind of dog it was along with his long list of dogs he had owned throughout his life. 

This past year Dad, Mom, Leticia and I went to Las Vegas and Dad and I went to the Nascar race,  (What a great day it was) as you know Dad always loved the races. 


Raymond Wuertz Jr. by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Five

Dad had a good sense of humor, sometimes asking waiters for sky Juice, leaving them puzzled and letting them know it was just another name for water.  Another memory was Dad always telling the waiters at the Old Spaghetti Factory, bring alot of bread, we are the bread people from Mars he would tell them.  Dad loved to kid around with people. 

Dad loved his grandchildren, always showing an interest in their lives. When they were little he enjoyed taking them to amusement parks and zoos, as they grew up watching them play their different sports and attending school functions.  He was so proud of Bethany and Christian as they followed their dreams from graduating college to becoming Registered Nurses with Bethany focusing on Labor and Delivery, to Christian focusing on Pediatric Intensive Care.  He was extremely proud of grandson Luke, for serving our country as a United States Marine, moving on to his dream of becoming a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department.  Dad always took a personal interest in his grandchildren's lives attending as many events as he could.  ( A proud grandpa he was!) 

I will always remember my Dad being a do it yourself handy man, whether it was fixing his cars or things around the house, if he didn't know how, he would ask someone or look up things to find out how to get the job done, in his later years discovering YouTube! He never backed down from a challenge.  

A few personal stories from when I was growing up was when I was in grade school one morning I woke up with the sniffles (telling mom I didn't feel good) she told me to go see Dad.  Dad said what's going on and I told him I did not feel good.  He said jog in place for a minute and then asked how I felt.  I replied with "I feel better".   He said, "Good, go to school."  



Raymond Wuertz, Jr. by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Four

Easter is also a great family tradition my Dad kept going.  After church service we would head out to Covington Park in Morongo Valley.  Where you might ask?  A small little park in the middle of nowhere, but its tradition.  My dad always enjoyed playing tennis with his family (of course crawling under the fence to play because the gate was locked on Easter) and always going on our hikes where Dad would place a Coke can at our final destination spot on our hikes and return every year to see if it was there and replace it with Dad's new can. 

I will always remember our family vacations Dad, Mom, Karen and I would go down to the local Motel 6 and Dad would book our hotels after charting the course to our destinations.  I always remember Dad telling me and Karen to take the scenery in and enjoy it as Dad and Mom took us to see many sights in the United States.  Dad always made sure to get to our hotel stops a little early so we could enjoy the pool.  Dad and I would always have races and after we were done Dad would always find someone to chat with.  Memorable trips were taking the family truckster (our station wagon) with Dad, Mom, Karen, me, Grandma, cousins Mike and Debbie to see family in the Midwest and also back east.  Some special memories of us camping at Lake Cachuma was when Dad would take myself, Karen, Debbie and Mike on hikes and march us in single file like little soldiers to Left, Left, Left Right Left, and always ending up at the general store to have an ice cream and when Dad would rent a boat and sometimes let us steer.  

Raymond Wuertz, Jr.  by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Three

Dad was also a Sunday school teacher.  One specific Sunday it was just Dad and I in the class and I remember Dad behind the desk and me pulling my chair forward as Dad shared the lesson with me.  Later on we moved churches to Central Baptist where Dad and Mom also enrolled me in the Christian School at the church.  (I was a little shy.  I think Dad put me in there to have a strong foundation and bring me out of my shell. Thank you Dad, IT WORKED!)

My Dad was a great family man and I know he got this from his Dad.  I'll always remember going to visit my grandma Wuertz every Monday or Tuesday and sometimes seeing our cousins and of course going to Bob's Big Boy and having that quality family time.  We always got together on holidays (Grandmas, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles and all of our cousins) such as the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the family tradition of Labor Day and Easter.  So many memories of Dad preparing for a great day of fun on Labor Day of eating, playing football and softball when we were younger, to having volleyball in the backyard as we got older and then having pool tournaments at Uncle Terry's house.  At Super Bowl parties at our house, Dad always made it fun for everyone whether you were watching the game or not.  Whoever got closest to the total score won the prize.  Always brought a smile to Dad's face to see everyone enjoying themselves.  Dad always made a point to include everyone, have personal conversations with everyone and of course taking everyone's picture along the way.  


Raymond  Wuertz, Jr.  by Tim Wuertz
Chapter Two

Back to Dad and Mom.  Dad and Mom started their married life together in Alhambra, California where their son Tim was born in 1967, nine months later moving to Chino, California where they had their daughter Karen.  Dad and Mom raised 2 children in that same house, where they have lived since 1968.  

When I think of my Dad I think of the home my parents built together and the  love they shared for the Lord as their foundation throughout life, my Dads love for Mom and my sister and I.  Dad was the leader of our family that showed caring , compassion, some discipline and a knowingness of unconditional love.  

Growing up in our home and I can picture it now, Dad sitting in his lazy boy recliner reading his bible nightly, he would also read the Bible cover to cover every year, and most recently mom said he would read two or three times a day.  Also sitting down nightly at the dinner table opening with prayer and just having that quality family time and sharing of the going ons of our day (oh how precious those times were).  Quick story: Dad always liked to have a good time and kid around.  I remember him sometimes asking, you want a candy and well, it wasn't a candy it was a yellow pepper.  And if I remember right, Karen got a little piece but in her mashed potatoes once.  Funny for us, not so much for Karen. 

 I remember going to church every Sunday.  At first it was Pipeline Baptist where I remember Dad was asked to preach at an evening service.  I remember Dad preparing for the service and reading it to Mom, little did I know Dad was going to be asking questions throughout the service.  I was a little guy, well Dad called on me and lets just say moral of the story - pay attention to your Dad when he is preaching.   

Raymond Wuertz Jr.  - by Tim Wuertz
Chapter One

Raymond Wuertz Jr. also known as Ray aka Sonny (you might ask...where did the name Sonny come from...The name Sonny came from the fact that he was a JR., so instead of calling him JR his family adopted the name Sonny, son of Raymond Wuertz Sr. 

Raymond Wuertz Jr. was born September 2, 1938 to Raymond and Geneva Wuertz in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Ray was the eldest of 7 children including one brother and five sisters - Jean, Frances, Terry, Judith, Betty and Sandy.  The family moved several different places before settling in West Covina, California.  Raymond Sr.  was a proud family man and worked to provide for his family working many of those years for Uniroyal Tire Co., while wife Geneva stayed at home raising their 7 children.  Raymond Sr. passed at an early age, leaving Sonny to step into the role of father/provider for the family.  Raymond Sr. instilled the importance of Faith, Love and Family into his family. 
 Taking Sonny aside one day, telling him in a stern, but loving voice to "always keep his family together".  Sonny carried on this role throughout his life starting with the caring for his mother, siblings and later into his own family after meeting and marrying the Love of his Life, my mother Patricia Wuertz. Thank you mom for deciding to go Roller Skating on the night you met dad.  You see that is where dad and mom met, at the Moonlight skating rink in 1964.  Mom didn't want to go that night.  But God had plans for the two of them to meet.  Dad and Mom married in 1966.  Back up a few years, Dad (Sonny)was drafted into the United States Military Army Division in 1961 where he served 2 years active duty and 4 years in the reserves.  He was honorably discharged in 1967.  Ray was proud of his service. 


Mr. Wuertz I called you, it was out of the deepest respect that I addressed you that way. Some of the qualities that made me fall in Love with your son was his Love for the Lord and his family. I Loved the way he would talk about his family with a sincere voice and a gleam in his eye. I could tell that it was real, for I also had that in my own family and that was the kind of Love and respect that I had dreamed of finding someday. Through the years as someone looking in on the daily actions, of your everyday family lives was something that was and is to be admired. It wasn't just a now and then thing. When I talk to people about my family, they don't really understand. Because in todays world a wholesome American dedicated to Faith and Family, Family rarely exists. I tell people how our families would vacation together, and all the gatherings we would have...not just Tim, Christian and I , but my side of the family, my dad and mom included. Most people look at me puzzled, like yeah right...but no, it's true. I tell them that my husbands family is like the family on the Ozzie and Harriet Show, about a wholesome American loving family, that used to be aired on TV back in the GOOD Ole Days. I say, really my father-in-law and mother-in-law lives displayed their Faith in the Lord and Love of family daily, and you can truly see that example in the lives of their children, their families and grandchildren. So, Thank you Mr. Wuertz for being the true example of a man who loved God, his family and life.

Mr. Wuertz you were a person who liked to strike up a conversation with anyone you meet.  It didn't matter if that person was shy and not a talker themselves...you always found a way to get them to engage in a conversation.  My dad for example was a shy guy, not a talker...but you both had a love for cars and that was something that was frequently discussed...I could just see you both now...talking about family and cars of course and even maybe taking a cruise down an open road together... Please give my daddy a big hug for me...or a pat on the back would be good...Back to striking up a conversation, I too was a shy person, always standing back and observing the conversations.  But I think I have acquired the knack of striking up a conversation with people ...including strangers...whether it be out shopping, in the grocery store or someone just crossing my path...I stop and smile...because I know where that comes from...so Thank you! 

Mr. Wuertz, Thank you for always welcoming my side of the family on trips we would take together. Everyone that attended a get together in our home or some other place we invited you to all took a liking to you...referring back to you as grandpa...Hey Grandpa...Hows grandpa they ask...One story I never got to tell you was a few months ago I was talking to my aunt Patty from Oregon, she had come to California to visit a couple years ago and got to spend some time with us all in Vegas, she told me to tell you...You and Mrs. Wuertz were so nice and that she thought you looked like a movie star, one that would star in a movie right next to John Wayne.   I could see you just chuckle at that.  You built a Beautiful life here on earth ...and I can only imagine your life in heaven..  I cherish all the times we would get together...  the trips we would take as a family...

Wuertz family...my heart aches right along side with you.. for I know all too well the exact same heartache.  What I can tell you is that the heartache will always be there...you just have to learn to live with it, for when you have loved someone so deeply that love never goes away. You will be reminded of that love with everything that is beautiful in this world...it could be the sunrise, the sunset, beautiful flowers, birds, or the smile on your children's face, and you think, how beautiful this all is, that our God has created for us...and then you think of how beautiful heaven must be...and that your loved one is there, taking it all in, in the arms of our Father and getting to enjoy time with loved ones passed. You can't help but look up and smile, and know that everything will be ok. 

One thing I remember you saying as of late...you called...and you did often...just to check in...we chatted about how the family was doing and what we had been up to and what you and Mrs. Wuertz had been doing ,..you would always start out by saying ...how are you guys doing...my usual reply would be we're good...you stopped that day and said that was a reply that always came from me.  Well, if you asked me today...Leticia how are you doing, I think I would shock you by my reply, it would be, not so good...why...because we are all missing you...but then my next reply would be, But we are all going to be Good...We know that you are in heaven and we find peace in also knowing that some day we will all be together again.  Until then...We promise to always check in with Mrs. Wuertz and always make sure she is good  You will always be remembered and always be missed...forever in our hearts...We love you.



Mr. Wuertz I called you, it was out of the deepest respect that I addressed you that way. Some of the qualities that made me fall in Love with your son was his Love for the Lord and his family. I Loved the way he would talk about his family with a sincere voice and a gleam in his eye. I could tell that it was real, for I also had that in my own family and that was the kind of Love and respect that I had dreamed of finding someday. Through the years as someone looking in on the daily actions, of your everyday family lives was something that was and is to be admired. It wasn't just a now and then thing. When I talk to people about my family, they don't really understand. Because in todays world a wholesome American dedicated to Faith and Family, Family rarely exists. I tell people how our families would vacation together, and all the gatherings we would have...not just Tim, Christian and I , but my side of the family, my dad and mom included. Most people look at me puzzled, like yeah right...but no, it's true. I tell them that my husbands family is like the family on the Ozzie and Harriet Show, about a wholesome American loving family, that used to be aired on TV back in the GOOD Ole Days. I say, really my father-in-law and mother-in-law lives displayed their Faith in the Lord and Love of family daily, and you can truly see that example in the lives of their children, their families and grandchildren. So, Thank you Mr. Wuertz for being the true example of a man who loved God, his family and life.


When someone has been present for your entire life, it's hard to imagine life without that person in it.  Ray Wuertz was my uncle, not by marriage and not by blood, but by the bond that tied us together as family.  Growing up, Uncle Ray was involved in all aspects of my life, birthdays, holidays, graduations, vacations and many more.  He was always a strong father figure that gave good direction and advice. He became a more prominent role model after the passing of mine and Debbie's father in 1987.  It was Uncle Ray who helped me with my taxes and taught me how to change the oil in my car.  He was there to help me get both of my vehicles in 1988 and 1990 and ensured that I got the very best deal.  I have purchased several cars since then, but I owe my negotiation skills to him.  He imparted his great wisdom over many of our lives. 
Uncle Ray was very much a family man and enjoyed spending time with his loved one's  I have so many fond memories of playing kickball, volleyball, and softball at the school during family holidays and gatherings.  He loved being team captains with his brother Terry and picking the teams.  Why was I always picked last?  :) Growing up it was obvious Uncle Ray liked spending time and playing with the kids.  Probably, because he was just a big kid at heart.  As a child dealing with an ear disability and unable to swim like the rest of the kids, he would take the time to ensure I had fun.  He pretended to be Jaws, hum the movie theme, and grab me as I was sitting on the pool steps (can't you just picture it with me wearing that shower cap?). He would then put me on his back and take me around the pool.  

Another summer we took a day trip to the beach.  After Aunt Pat lathered Tim, Karen, Debbie and me with lotion, we were off to the ocean.  Well, so I thought.  I stayed behind while Aunt Pat put on my shower cap. Not only did I have to endure that embarrassment, I was also hit with a case of infantigo on my nose and upper lip.  Uncle Ray watched in dismay as Aunt Pat put band aids on my face.  I can still hear Uncle Ray's words, "Pat, it's bad enough he has to wear that shower cap, but do you have to make him walk around with all those band aids on his face?"  I just looked up at Aunt Pat with pleading eyes, but she didn't budge.  She tried to convince me the sun made the band aids blend into my skin.  I knew better, but at least I had Uncle Ray on my side.  It's these little things that mean the most and I  will never forget those memories.  

We had many, many wonderful times to celebrate Easter.  After church we would head out to the dessert for a picnic lunch and day of fun.  Two memories stand out.  During our annual nature hike, one year Uncle Ray had the idea to place an empty soda can up in a tree and see if it would still be there the following year.  Well, the next year on our hike, it was!  We have pictures of the can in the tree and Joshua climbing to retrieve it.  The second memory was after a hike as well.  Uncle Ray picked a few small flowers and arranged them.  Let me be clear, it was a very small arrangement (and yes, we were not supposed to pick flowers per order of the park ranger).  When we returned from the hike, Uncle Ray presented Aunt Pat with his gift.  He said, "I walked to great lengths to provide a beautiful floral arrangement to give to my lovely wife."  It was a funny and special moment.  I have it on tape and pictures to memorialize this loving memory.

It's really hard to imagine what life is going to be like without Ray Wuertz in it.  Even as I write this note, it's hard to comprehend this has actually happened.  The Coronavirus pandemic we have been plagued with in 2020 makes it difficult to be together during this time when family should be together.  But know, there is no distance that can withstand the love I have for my family.  

I want to end by saying we should not be sad, but we should be glad.   Uncle Ray is with our Lord and Savior and is in a much better place than those of us who remain in this world.  Uncle Ray is rejoicing and holding his parents, grandma & grandpa, my dad and many others.  they are happy and looking down on us until it is our time to join them.  It makes me smile as I try not to think about the loss but know what a wonderful presence heaven has just gained.  Ray Wuertz will be missed, but only for a little while, as our time here is short, and our heavenly home is forever.  

What I would like to say and remember about Ray Wuertz, my uncle, is kind of long, and when it came time to think and write out a few of my memories, and keep it short, I thought "well that's not happening".  How to share my memories and not write a book at the same time is a challenge but will do my best.  Most family and friends know that Mike and I were raised by our dad and his parents, grandma and grandpa Myers.  But living so close to Uncle Ray and Aunt Pat, Tim and Karen, from my sixth birthday and then into adulthood, we were all a very close family.  Uncle Ray immediately stepped up as a father figure in many ways after my grandfather passed away when I was 13, but even more so after my dad passed when I was only 19. The night we found out that my dad had passed, our Wuertz family came through the door and were there in every way they knew how.  Uncle Ray said, and I remember at the time it didn't help me much in the moment, he said he knows how we feel because he had lost his dad when he was around the same age.  That never left my memory and was more comforting over the years because  I knew he cared and was relating to our loss as much as possible.  To know Uncle Ray is to know he was always a faithful man who loved the Lord, my Aunt Pat, his two children Tim and Karen and then their families, his siblings and all of his nieces and nephews, as well as his beloved dogs over the years with all his heart and soul.  He also extended his support to Mike and I, and aunt Pat's side of the family in general, not those soft meaningful words that are put into songs or poems, but real life take action, ready to help when needed or when something goes wrong with the house, car, or medically, especially for our little grandma.  

Because of Uncle Ray, grandma always knew there was a strong and caring man around who looked after her well being and happiness when she had lost her husband and a few years later, her son, my dad David Myers.  Even though we knew grandma Myers was very strong and wanted to be independent with how she lived, there was always a deep level of comfort knowing Uncle Ray was literally just around the corner and always there for her, and so it was comforting to me as well through the years.  

Something about Ray Wuertz, you could just tell how much he looked forward to any time spent with his family and all his siblings and their children as well, and seeing the cousins get together to enjoy some family time of food, sports, games of volleyball, and all that he did to plan for fun gatherings.  He just lived a faithful kind of life and  tried to do what he felt was the right thing to do even when not always the easiest or the most convenient, which I feel those types of people are set apart as the "doers" and not just the "talkers".  Uncle Ray was a doer for the Lord and his family and friends.  I appreciated and respected that about him and I always will.  

I would like to share a few of my memories that stand out to me.  Uncle Ray was not just an uncle that I would hear about on occasion or see at a 10 year reunion.  He was there almost my whole childhood, youth and adult life.  He and Aunt Pat were there for almost every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, Labor Day for as long as I can remember, as well as all of our birthdays celebrated between their immediate family and our Myers family.  

We also took many vacations over many years all together, which brings me back to our camping days as a family.  Those days started when we were very young and continued on into the years we were starting our own families.  Uncle Ray was the ringleader for making things more exciting even in his own strict way, and yet it was always fun.  My love for Drumstick ice-cream cones, my husband Mark can attest to, started back when Uncle Ray, at Cachuma Lake had a tradition where he would take us on a hike and then down to the little market at the campground for our favorite ice cream.  Yep the four of us, Tim Karen, Mike and I walked to his "Left, Left - Left RIGHT left: which was a good little hike for us when little but he was in control military style when in charge of the four of us and it worked beautifully.  We would get our ice-cream and he marched us back to camp "single-file" of course.  As parents and some us grandparents now, this was likely a much needed down-time for Aunt Pat and grandma, to catch up on things or maybe just rest a while since we were all gone for a while.  Camping is a lot of dirt and a lot of work.  But those memories of the hikes, the lake in general, campfires, crazy nighttime showers and just feeling like we were in trouble the whole time for getting dirty or throwing things in the fire always makes me laugh and smile.  Forever treasured memories.  
Another fun memory around Halloween, one night Tim, Karen, Mike and I were playing in the den where all the toys were.  We had a large empty box and were playing in there.  Uncle Ray thought it would be fun to flip all the lights off, and then with a flashlight and a large Barbie makeup dollhead scare us to death with his loud scary voice and shaking Barbie's long hair with the flashlight in her face, all of us screaming and running out of the den, down the dark hallway right into Aunt Pat, except I think we left Karen in the box, oops. 

Anyway, that was Uncle Ray, strict and yet always making things fun and was full of surprises.  He gave us so many stories and memories that I know we have appreciated over these years, and will continue to tell each generation.  
Also because we would stay at Aunt Pat and Uncle Ray's when the parents were on vacation or had to leave for an emergency out of state, we saw Uncle Ray's devotion and love for his family first hand, but also for God.  His home was one that you knew the Lord was present daily and not just on Sunday's.  There were always family prayers at dinner time, watching TV together, Church time, sports time.  He also lived his faith beyond his home-life.  He lived it out in the world and was always friendly to others and never saw a stranger that he didn't strike up a conversation , especially if someone happened to have a dog with them.  Now this is the truth, and I've said it and so have others, it's like people on the outside looking in would think for sure  "they must all be "on" something or intoxicated to be laughing and carrying on like that", but nope, that was just Uncle Ray and the family having fun, just natural joy and laughter.  I will always fondly remember the games, brain teasers, the stories, the lessons and corny jokes as some of the best times ever.  

Uncle Ray to me was that strong family man that so many really do admire and look up to.  His Bible next to his chair, his home and yard well-kept, finances in order and things were organized and wholesome.  Devoted to God, family and country.  I remember seeing him over the years reading and studying his Bible on a Sunday morning, when we were staying a couple of weeks with them and this told me he is just real, not perfect, sometimes stern and blunt, honest to a fault, but genuine caring and devoted to all that he loved and believed in.  I will cherish the mealtime prayers, hours he spent helping me with my Algebra and Geometry (bless him there for even trying) those Lawrence Welk shows, (yikes, Mike and I were not big fans of those, I  can tell you that) but still great memories.  Uncle Ray was even there when I bought my first car and drove it home for me in the rain.  I have to add he was the first one to notice when my hubcaps had been stolen while I was at work, and said in his serious voice "Debbie! You need to be more observant of these things"...I cried but then he and aunt Pat both said don't worry just go get some chrome rims to pop on and it will look even more sporty...um no it was a Hyundai, it never looked sporty to begin with, haha, but they meant well and I knew it.  

I will never forget about the many miles in the station wagon, that family truckster, all the baseball games he took us to (even though he made us walk quite a distance down to Dodger Stadium to save on parking fees), yes he was a frugal man, but it was worth it for the splurging on Dodger Dogs, malts and peanuts for us.  There were also the races he took us to, and I was so afraid because of the loud engines when I was little, but still are treasured memories.  I will always remember the backyard labor days and reunions that he put so much time and thought in to, just wanting everyone to have fun!  Something Aunt Pat told me years ago, and this really meant a lot, was that when the four of us were all little and we would go out to eat or something, people would just assume all four of us were their kids and not the tag-a-long niece and nephew, and sometimes he just let people think we were all his, she said, because he was proud of us.
I'm sad yes, but also know he would not want anyone to be sad.  This letter doesn't even come close to all that is in my heart and mind, but I do believe and I know, there was a huge celebration in heaven when he went to be with the Lord and was reunited with all those he loved and went ahead of him.  Now and forever getting to be present with the Lord he has served and worshipped all these years that is the best gift, especially here at Christmas time and the New Year, we can take comfort in knowing he is in Heaven.  I love and will  be missing you Uncle Ray always.  Thank you for you. 

Memories of my brother Sonny by Terry Wuertz 

Sonny was my big brother.  He was 5 years older than me and he always lead by example.  He worked hard his entire life and he was loyal, honest and a good Christian man.  

When we were much younger, I liked to practice pulling his car in and out of the driveway while he was sleeping.  (He did not approve of me operating his car).  One time while doing this I put a crease in the side of his car.  I did not want him to know, so I went inside and told my mom that she should let him sleep for an extra hour before work because he has been working so hard... The reality is that in an hour it would be dark and he may not notice, my plan worked.  He came home from work really mad and complained that someone at work had hit his car.....I told him the truth (40 years later), he laughed...But I doubt he would have laughed in the moment.  

One time when Sonny was 18, he went to the drive in with his friend Richard Green.  They agreed that they could save some money if one of them hid in the trunk.  When they pulled up at the drive in, the attendant told Sonny to pull off to the side and park the car.  Sonny asked him why?  The attendant responded, "No one goes to the drive in by themselves!"  The attendant then asked, "How many people do you have in your trunk?"  Sonny replied, "Just one sir".  Sonny being quite embarrassed, paid the correct amount and enjoyed the movie.  

My brother Sonny was always the one to host a Labor Day get together at his home going back to the early 70's.  He would always take photos and he would film all the family members with his super 8 film camera.  I asked him years later why he would always take photos at the get togethers and he jokingly replied, "So I know who showed up".  

Sonny enjoyed various dogs during his life.  His dog Jimmy (a Mastiff) would come to the sliding glass door before bedtime and Sonny would always give Jimmy his evening cookie.  Jimmy was Sonny's last dog.  

Sonny was always big on extended family.  Many years he would take his nieces and nephews to see Dodger games, he would invite family to the Riverside speedway, where he would have all the kids pick a race car and he would give the winner $5.  The kids loved his enthusiasm.  There have been many vacations where he encouraged me and his sisters to join and go back east where we got to connect with our relatives.  He loved his Uncle Arnold.  

Sonny and I would go to many Dodger games over the years.  At one game Sonny retrieved a foul ball, diving for it among the other Dodger fans.  I remember Sonny being excited that he got a major league baseball.  That was a fun "Brother event".  

Sonny was a man of faith and always enjoyed going to Sunday service.  I always enjoyed his blessings over meals and sometimes they may go a little long, but they were filled with heart and caring and I always looked forward to them.  

Someone once wrote, "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others".  My brother Sonny is the most respected and loved person I know.  
Rest in peace, Love, 
Terry

December 27, 2020
Dear Pat and all, 
We were so sorry to hear of Ray's passing and offer our deepest condolences. 

 I (John) remember Ray most fondly.  He was a very likeable, down-to-earth, affable guy with absolutely no deceit.  We had a lot of fun together after his family moved from Springfield, MA, to Indianapolis around 1957.  I remember that big black Packard sedan, probably around a 1938, sitting in front of our house on Arrow Ave.  when the family came to town.  Ray, dad, Red, another great guy, was transferred to the Indianapolis plant of U. S.  Rubber Company.  After two to three years Red was transferred to California. 

Back in the late 50's Ray and I were both big eaters.  Once we went to Morris Bryant smorgasbord in Indianapolis.  We ate so much that we had to just sit out in my 1949 Ford for some time before even driving home.  Another time we went to Coney Island in Cincinnati and stopped at an all-you-can-eat chicken place.  The waitress would come around recurrently and ask if we were ready for dessert and we would say no, bring more chicken.

Ray was so gracious and helpful in the two trips I made to California to buy a 1937 Packard and about five years ago a 1941 Packard.  Pat and Terry, I enjoyed visiting with you as well on those trips.  

Pat, I think the last time you and Ray came to Indianapolis was 2000.  The annual meeting of the Classic Car Club of America was in town.  Ray helped me get two cars ready for the big car show at the State fairgrounds.  He drove the 1937 Packard Twelve out.  

It is a blessing that Ray passed so peacefully.  He now is happily reunited with his parents and rests in the warm embrace of God.  

John & Elaine Klein





Raymond Wuertz was many things to many people, but to me he was Grandpa.  Over the course of my life, he has taught me many life lessons.  Work hard, be honest, never give up, live to the fullest, and never take what God has given you for granted.  He set the best example of what true love looks like.  Growing up, I seen the love he had for my grandma and family. He was always in the stands cheering me on during sporting events, attending family gatherings, or just making the occasional drive by to check up on us.  Some of my favorite memories of my Grandpa include going to the girls high school basketball games as a child and sitting in right field at the Dodger Baseball games where we had all you can eat hot dogs.  I loved my grandpa dearly and find comfort that he is in Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ.  He will always have a special place in my heart and never be forgotten. It is not goodbye, but see you later.  
Your granddaughter, Bethany

Mr. Wuertz I called  you, it was out of the deepest respect that I addressed you that way.  Some of the qualities that made me fall in Love with your son was his Love for the Lord and his family.  I Loved the way he would talk about his family with a sincere voice and a gleam in his eye.  I could tell that it was real. for I also had that in my own family and that was the kind of Love and respect that I had dreamed of finding someday.  Through the years as someone looking in on the daily actions, of your everyday family lives was something that was and is to be admired.  It wasn't just a now and then thing.  When I talk to people about my family, they don't really understand.  Because in todays world a wholesome American dedicated to Faith and Family, Family rarely exists.  I tell people how our families would vacation together, and all the gatherings we would have...not just Tim, Christian and I , but my side of the family, my dad and mom includes.  Most people look at me puzzled, like yeah right...but no, it's true.  I tell them that my husbands family is like the family on the Ozzie and Harriet Show, about a wholesome American loving family, that used to be aired on TV back in the GOOD Ole Days.  I say, really my father-in-law and mother-in-law lives displayed their Faith in the Lord and Love of family daily, and you can truly see that example in the lives of their children, their families and grandchildren.  So, Thank you Mr. Wuertz for being the true example of a man who loved God, his family and life.  


There are two things that we will always remember about Sonny - He was an Honest and Godly man who loved his family and was an avid picture taker. 

While we were living in Virginia, shortly after 9/11, Sonny and Pat came to visit us.  We took them on a tour of Washington, DC and the Pentagon.  Our tour of Washington included riding the subway system.  The trains are only in the station for a couple of minutes, so passengers must move quickly to get on the train.  Pat, Betty and Joe got on the train and sat down.  As the doors closed, Pat said: "Where is Ray?" We looked back to see Sonny on the other side of the doors with his hands and face pressed against the glass.  Ever the gentleman, Sonny had let all the other passengers go ahead of him to get on the train- until the doors slammed shut.  

We drove around the Pentagon to look at the damage caused by the Airplane that had crashed into it on 9/11.  Sonny was hanging our of the car window videotaping every moment.  Suddenly we were approached by a security guard who told Sonny that he could not take pictures of the pentagon and had to erase what he had taken.  Sonny assured him that he would.  What Sonny did not notice was that the guard was winking the whole time he was telling him to erase the pictures.  

The final stop of our tour was the Botanical Gardens.  Sonny was taking some pictures of the building with the Capitol in the background.  Betty and Pat went on into the building and passed through the metal detectors and security.  I had just gone through security when I heard over my shoulder this booming voice say: "You didn't just video tape me did you sir?"  I then heard a very meek voice say "Why - yes I did"  The guard then made Sonny erase his film while he supervised.  There was not any winking this time.  The ever honest avid video taker finally met his match.  

Mr. Wuertz Thank You For All The Wonderful Memories

Mr. Wuertz, I'd like to take this moment to thank you for accepting me into your family.  As a young man I married your daughter Karen, who became the love of my life.  As I entered into a new chapter in life, I had little guidance so you stepped in and mentored me.  You gave me guidance on purchasing vehicles, homes, and other finances.  You always had an open ear, advising me through the course of life.  You became a role model, and shaped who I am today.  

I always loved kidding around with Mr. Wuertz, and I'd like to share a quick memory..... One day Mr. Wuertz was trimming his large mulberry trees located in his backyard.  He knew I enjoyed camp fires, so he would cut the large branches into perfect sized firewood.  He called me and asked if I would like some firewood.   I replied "Yes" and that I would also bring my wheelbarrow to help carry all the wood.  My son Luke and I arrived with a pickup truck.  Mr. Wuertz greets me and says "where is the wheelbarrow"? I smiled, pointed at Luke, and said "he is right there"!  Mr. Wuertz understood that I was kidding about the wheelbarrow, and that I brought my son to help and mentor him through life, just like Mr. Wuertz mentored me.  

I will always remember Mr. Wuertz for being a Christian man who loved his family and friends. A role model for all to follow.  He is like that wheelbarrow, who carried me through life.  I will close this moment saying, "Mr. Wuertz, you have big shoes for me to fill". 

Your Son-In-Law, 
David Mello

I have been blessed with so many wonderful memories of my dad.  He was the best Father a girl could ever have and will be greatly missed.  He will forever remain in my heart.  My dad loved God and his family more than anything.  He was devoted to reading through the entire Bible every year, being a spiritual leader to my mom and family. I remember when I was a young girl, my dad put a bumper sticker on his Blue Datsun truck that simply said "I Found It!" People would approach him and ask "what did you find?"  This opened the door for him to share the love of Jesus and how to get to Heaven. My dad was always in the stands cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events, at family BBQ's, playing with the dogs and jogging his 3 miles to the High School to keep him moving.  But, most of all, he loved spending time with my beautiful mom of 54 years, sipping their coffee in their recliners and taking a drive to McDonald's for their senior specials.  He never missed Saturday breakfast with his brother Terry, catching up with the latest news about each others family. My dad was known as Mr. Fix It! He was the first call to help and was always there.  It was  no surprise to wake up to the sound of a chainsaw at 7am, because he's cutting down trees.  What my dad gave me was kindness, humor, comfort, and life lessons.  And most important unconditional love. 
On December 14, 2020, the Lord came down and picked one of the most special people in my life to be with him. How can I not feel comfort knowing he's in heaven with God now. I am missing my dad, but I know he loved me and I loved him back with all my heart. 
So Dad, I will miss you, but this is not goodbye, it's just so long for awhile until we meet again in the presence of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. 
I Love you! 
Your daughter, Karen

I worked with Ray at the LA Times press room. Ray was one of the kindest persons I ever knew, he was very well liked by everybody that came in contact with him. When we retired he used to join us at the La Times Retirees Breakfast where we all rememiest with each other. He was a kind and a gentleman. I will miss him at our gatherings, may he Rest In Peace.

Uncle Ray was truly a great man, I have many fond memories of football games with all of us cousins, Uncle Ray and Uncle Terry (It always seemed they were competing against each other), I am thankful  that he always had the video camera out at Christmas time, (And Gave us many great memories from many years ago) And I always admired the way he took care of Our Grandma. 
    God received another great Angel, I Love you Uncle Ray! 

I am so sorry to hear about Ray.  He was always quite the character, a lot of laughs when Ray was around.  This has been a terrible year for so many.  I love you all, Freddie

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Raymond Wuertz Jr.

2 septembre 1938 – 14 décembre 2020

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