Our husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Raymond Simon Ojanen, died Wednesday evening, August 23rd at the Long Term Care Unit in Ontonagon. Ray was the last living WWII Veteran from Rockland who served overseas. He was stationed in Germany and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Ray was born at home in Wainola, MI to Clara and Simon Ojanen, on March 17th, 1925, the youngest of 5 children. He grew up on a farm, and learned to love animals and the woods. He graduated with the class of 1943 from Mass City High School. After serving in WWII, he came home and fell in love with one of the beautiful Maxfield girls in Rockland, Georgetta. He finally got her to marry him on September 13th, 1947, by asking her "Would you ever consider marrying a guy like me?" They were married in Ontonagon, and would have celebrated their 59th anniversary this year. Ray worked as a woodsman for many years with his two brothers, until an injury forced him to retire.

Ray was a poet and a joke teller. He had a positive attitude and never complained. He enjoyed the outdoors and the simple things in life, like a good cup of coffee with Trenary toast, the philosophy of Andy Griffith, and the Suomi Kutsuu show on Sunday mornings. He enjoyed sitting on the main street of Rockland talking with his friends and going for coffee. He was proud of his Finnish heritage and could still speak the language. Ray was a friend to everyone, especially the elderly. He used to visit the residents in the LTCU every Sunday, bringing newspapers and good conversation to a lot of folks who otherwise would have had no visitors.

Ray is survived by his wife, Georgetta, whose great care allowed him to stay at home despite numerous ailments that his tough Finn spirit fought. But he was tired and knew it was his time. Ray is also survived by his children Barbara Jean and Raymond Charles, of Rockland, and Donna Raye Thomas (Bruce) of Salt Lake City, three grandchildren, Kseniya Anne, William Raymond, and Daniel James, nieces and nephews, brothers in law and sisters in law, his cousin Harold Buck, his loyal cat, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clara and Simon, and his siblings Helen, Eleanor, Oswald and Albert.

A memorial service for Ray will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Rockland, Pastor Cherrie Sporleder officiating. Friend may call at the church 1 hour prior to the start of the service.

The family wishes to thank the extraordinary staff at Superior Home Nursing, Ontonagon Long Term Care staff, and Dr. Eric Maki, for their wonderful care and kindness. Also, we wish to thank Joann Hair for all that she did to make him more comfortable. Memorial Services will be held in Rockland at St. Paul's Methodist Church. In memory of Ray, tell a joke, be kind to the elderly and listen to their stories. Thank a Veteran. Adopt a stray pet. Appreciate the good things in lifea