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LAYLAND, Ray R., age 87

Died: Tuesday, August 8th, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Father Don Meuret officiating

Visitation: family will receive friends one hour prior to Mass at the church

Interment: Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred which will be shared with Ray's favorite charities at a later date

 

Ray Layland, 87, husband, father, friend who lived life with a song in his heart and a dance in his step has passed on. He leaves a legacy of dedication to his family, loyalty to friends, and commitment to his work, whether it was his career or his latest project. Ray died on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, embraced by the love of his family.

Ray, the youngest of 9 children, was born to Isaac and Mable Layland in Minneapolis, MN on October 5, 1929. He attended Roosevelt High School where he met his love, Joan Jaeb, on a blind date. After graduation from high school, class of '48, he joined the army where he served in the artillery, one year in active duty and 5 years in the army reserve. He was honorably discharged.   

Ray and Joan were married on August 19, 1950. Their honeymoon was at Minnesota's beautiful North Shore. Married 67 years, the honeymoon was never over. In 1952, the couple became a trio with the birth of their first child, Rita. In time the family grew with sons Dan, and Tom. Daughter, Diane completed the team. Ray was an involved father, enjoying participation in activities with his children. He helped the boys build pine wood derby cars when they were in Cub Scouts and taught them how to keep their cars running as teens. He encouraged and supported his daughters as they pursued their passions of art and dance by building picture frames and recital sets. He shared his enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors by taking the family on many camping, canoeing, boating, and fishing trips.

Ray had a dedicated work ethic and put his all into every job he held. When Ray and Joan were first married he read meters, but shortly after their marriage, he found his life career in the Service Department of NCR, National Cash Register Company. He worked in downtown Minneapolis repairing NCR machines. In 1966, he was promoted to Service Manager and transferred to Hibbing, MN. He was again promoted in 1980 as Service Manager for the Eau Claire, WI branch of the company. In his career, he saw cash registers change from mechanical machines, to electronic computers. He retired in 1989. 

Ray was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he served as an usher for several years. Ray enjoyed outdoor activities, photography, dancing, and traveling. Upon retirement Ray and Joan traveled the United States, and spent many winters staying in their fifth wheel camper in Mesa, AZ. He also enjoyed traveling to Wyoming and Alaska to see his children and grandchildren. One of their memorable trips involved driving the Alaskan Highway.     

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his four children: Rita Lewis (Jeff), Daniel Layland (Judy Gonsalves), Thomas Layland (Jeanie) and Diane Rindt (Steve); grandchildren: Jovan Lewis (Michael Carver), LaGrande Woods (Brian), Lucas Wahl (Andrea), Taylor Layland, and Lindsey Layland; and six great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his grandson, Kevin Layland; his parents; and his 8 brothers and sisters. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to Doctor Wergeland and Doctor Jim Deming, to Dove South - Humming Bird Wing staff, and the members of Mayo Clinic Hospice for their compassion and care. 

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