Raymond Leo Voss, 82, passed away at 2:40 pm on Saturday February 16, 2013 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Alton.
He was born on June 26, 1930 in Alton, IL the son of Leo & Rose (Hartman) Voss.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Susan & Greg Matejcic of Oklahoma City, OK; and a son David Voss of Alton, and three grandsons, Gregory & Andrew Matejcic of Oklahoma City, OK; Michael Voss of Florida; and a brother and sister-in-law, Jim & Rita Voss of Placerville, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews, especially: Dan Zitt for all his care and concern during Ray’s illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Ed Voss, Alice Pickerill, Sandy Conners and Eleanor Zitt and his companion Opal Oakley.
In celebration of his life, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 am Saturday February 23, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton.
Ray was born with a truly unbridled spirit. His daring nature was apparent early in his life. After learning to ride a bicycle as a young boy, he learned to ride it backwards. He swam the Mississippi River from Alton all the way to St. Louis, thinking nothing of the current and swift water. In the 1950’s he rode his Harley-Davidson motorcycle to Key West, Florida and then flew to Havanna Cuba in a two-seater plane. A friend witnessed that Ray could actually stand on the seat of that same motorcycle and ride it down the street. Needless to say Ray had a “can do” attitude. That very attitude helped him become skilled as a millright, tinner, mechanic, carpenter, plumber and furnace installer.
But Ray’s true legacy to us was the way in which he lived his life. A life lived out in love and service to others. This gift was not only extended to family and friends, but complete strangers as well. Ray would often give his last dollar to someone who needed a meal or gas for their car. Ray often did home repairs for people who could not afford to pay for them. He even funded an operation for a woman that saved her sight. Ray spent the final years of his life caring for his dear friend, Opal and his brother Edward. He did this while suffering in failing health himself.
Our peace now comes in knowing that he has been made whole and is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No doubt, the first words Ray heard after leaving this Earth were… “Well Done, Faithful Servant”.
Memorials may be given to: St. Mary’s School.
Online condolence and guestbook may be found at www.staten-fine.com
