Raymond J. Weltz Jr.

Raymond Joseph Weltz Jr., formerly of Peoria, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, after complications from Alzheimer's disease at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Ray was born on Nov. 20, 1917, in Rock Island, Ill. His parents were Raymond J. Weltz Sr. and Martha Shumacher Weltz. He was raised in Peoria, Ill., graduated from Kinman High School in 1936 and spent four years during World War II serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp in England, Italy and North Africa. He spent his entire career of 43 years with Caterpillar as an accountant and supervisor at Morton Parts. In addition, he was treasurer for nine Limestone grade schools and Limestone High School for 37 years. He married Geraldine Olson on Aug. 15, 1946. She passed away on May 15, 1985. He then married Dorothy Clayton Orlt on Oct. 1, 1988. In 1997 they moved to Bonita Springs, Fla., until they returned to Iowa in 2008. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Marshalltown, Iowa; a stepson, Michael (Connie) McConnell of Cameron, Mo.; and a stepdaughter, Theresa Gibson of Marshalltown, Iowa. A stepdaughter, Jenette E. Phillips, passed away in 2008. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He has joined his parents, his brother and his daughter in their heavenly home. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. A funeral service will be Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Roger Bowers officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Parkview Cemetery Chapel of Peace. Please visit Raymond's Life story at www.davison-fulton.com.