Ray’s childhood years were farming and picking cotton. At the age of 18 he was called to serve his country in World War II. He was in the 12th grade when he was drafted into the US Army and went to Ft. Hood for basic training. Ray was then shipped to the South Pacific where he was part of Company A, 186th Infantry, 41st Division. He was aboard the first ship to arrive in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped. He stood up and loved the United States of America, he went to fight for his country and considered it an honor and a privilege.
After the Army, he moved back to Houston and began working with his brother Bill. He then met his lovely wife, Laura Belle and they were married on August 25, 1951. Ray went on to start his own business Zuehlke Drywall. The most important aspect of his work was never the quantity but the quality, and his care and respect for his employees.
Advent Lutheran church was an extremely important part of his life, he served in many ways; Council, Committees, Building Projects and Youth. His most enjoyable time was taking the Youth on their yearly retreats to his Latium Ranch.
Ray was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, he hunted all across the state of Texas, he was always proud when he would get a “Wall Hanger”. He enjoyed sponsoring a soft ball team, the Zuehlke Drywall Shamrocks. He was so proud and gave them a big thumbs up when they finished second in state. Ray was very involved in all of his children’s activities, especially the FFA. The family always had a yearly, two full week vacation, they traveled throughout the United States. One of the dreams Ray and Laura had was to travel abroad which they did later in life.
He treasured his 17 grandchildren and his 16 great-grandchildren, they would gather around him every Christmas to open that special gift that he chosen for each of them. Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Laura Belle Zuehlke. He is survived by his children, Scarlett Hovland and husband Kenneth, Sharon Grimes and husband, Bob, Lloyd Zuehlke and wife, Teresa, Debra Dahmann and Diana Brown. Also surviving are his loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. There is a private burial for immediate family on Tuesday, June 30th at 11:00 am .
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Advent Lutheran Church, service information will be announced at a later date.
Ray was known for his love of family, his love of friendships, and his unwavering love of God until the very end. He is also known for his story telling and “Rayisms” which will be celebrated at a future date. He showed us things not known by Kings.
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