Raymond August Fechter (age 87) passed away Saturday April 12, 2014 at the HPH Hospice in Brooksville, FL, surrounded by his family. He was born April 06, 1927 to the late August and Helen Fechter. He married the love of his life Arlene F. Theisen on June 18, 1949 at St. Mathews Catholic Church in Campbellsport, WI.

Ray was born and raised on the family farm in Trenton, WI. He was the oldest of 9 children. He proudly served his county with the United States Army during WWII. His service took him throughout Europe. He returned to the family farm and worked for Mercury Marine and various other manufacturing companies. He began his career as a carpet installer working for Berries Furniture, and Walters Furniture. He eventually opened his own business, Fechter Flooring. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1393.

Ray's life revolved around his faith, family and friends. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, and everything outdoors. He also enjoyed gathering around the firepit with friends and family at his favorite place near Crivitz, WI. He loved laughing, airplanes and lunch. He was always game for a trip to the casino. Ray and Arlene moved to Brooksville, FL in their later years where he lived the rest of his days in the sunshine.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene. His 3 sons: Michael (Linda) of West Bend, WI, Mark (Diane) of West Bend, WI, and Larry (Rhonda) of Iola, WI. His 6 grandchildren: Connie (Steve) Kannenberg of West Bend, WI, Aaron (Jennifer) of West Bend, WI, Timothy (Laura) of Hartland, WI, David (Sarah) of Fall Creek, WI, Jessica (Corey) Landers of Mayville, WI, and Nathan of Ironwood, MI. His 8 great-grandchildren: Katelyn & Kallie Kannenberg of West Bend, WI, Autumn, Amy & Ally Landers of Mayville, WI, Isaac, Emily & Samuel Fechter of Fall Creek, WI. He is further survived by his sisters: Clara Neu of Newburg, WI, Dorothy (James) Griesmer of Hartford, WI, brothers; August, and Richard (Martha) of Newburg, WI, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Mary Jane Fechter of Random Lake, WI. Irene Fechter of New Port Richey, FL, Henry Theisen (friend Marion) of Eden, WI, Norbert (friend Darlene) of Campbellsport, WI, Delores Wollner of Newburg, WI, Kathy (Roger) Schmidt of Kewaskum, WI. He will also be missed by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents August and Helen Fechter, infant daughter Ann Fechter, his brothers Leo and Ralph, his sister Martha Meyer, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Bernadine Theisen, his sisters-in-law Sylvia Fechter, Viola Theisen and Jeanne Theisen and brothers-in-law LeRoy Neu, George Meyer, John Theisen and LeRoy Wollner.

Visitation will be from 12:00 (noon) until 1:45 PM on Monday, April 21, 2014 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel, 1420 W. Paradise Drive, in West Bend. A funeral service will follow visitation 2:00 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Washington County Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt Thank You to the staff and nurses at HPH Hospice for the kind and compassionate care given to Raymond.