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Ray Gielarowski Obituary
Ray grew up in Duluth, Minnesota - the son of Thomas and Annie Gielarowski. He was the youngest son in a family of 10 children. He graduated in 1948 from Proctor High School. Drafted into the army in 1951 he served honorably in the Korean War and was awarded a purple heart.
In 1961, Ray began the adventure of a lifetime when he traveled the Alaska Highway with his wife Phyllis and their 18 month old daughter Nancy. He joined three of his brothers in Anchorage to operate the Rangeview Mobile Home Park. His son Rory, was born in 1964, in conjunction with Ray's birthday and the Alaska Earthquake. Ray continued to work in the family business for the next 37 years. Moving to the Mat-Su Valley in 1983, Ray enjoyed his home, yard, family and friends. He retired in 1998, and continued to stay busy working on various projects and keeping all of his family under his watchful eye. His three grandsons quickly learned that even in retirement, you could set your watch by grandpa's schedule and he always enjoyed talking about work, weather and vehicles. Never able to keep a secret, Ray quietly yet generously let everyone in his life know how important they were.
Preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers and 2 sisters; Ray leaves his wife of 57 years, Phyllis, son: Rory; daughter and son-in-law: Nancy and Mark Bertels, three grandsons: Nate, Joe and Luke Bertels and many friends from a long and happy life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial services for Ray will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 2 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, with a reception at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, please remember Ray by making a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Gielarowski
Mark Vail
July 11, 2014
Fondly remember living in
Rangeview in the 70's and 80's and the great care Ray and his brother took to make it a nice place to live. condolences to the family.
Juliana Armstrong
July 10, 2014
Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to read of your dad's passing. I recall your entire family with such fondness. My prayers are with you all today.
Becky Efird
July 9, 2014
Phyllis and family, it was a shock and much sadness to see Ray's memorial service announcement. I will always remember what special supportive friends, in good and sad times, you all have been to the "Rhudy Family" since 1961. May you feel the comfort and peace of God's loving arms around you as you recall all the wonderful memories of Ray as always the loving grandfather, father, spouse and friend. We all miss him, Becky Efird
July 7, 2014
Rory - You and I went to Sunday School together at St. Mark - I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you and your family ~ Mary Hiukka Judd
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Rick & Marilyn Adamski
July 5, 2014
We are saddened by your loss. Uncle Ray was a very special man. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a great sense of humor. He was fun to be around and we are thankful to have shared some time with him and aunt Phyllis on our trip to Alaska in 2008. You are in our prayers. Rest in Peace Uncle RAY.
John Sroufe
July 5, 2014
My family moved into Rangeview Trailer Court in 1958. I was 9 years old. I made lots of friends in Rangeview and my friends and I all got to know Ray and Phyliss as the Town Marshall and his beautiful wife, like in the old west. Ray was friendly and helpful but did not allow junvenile nonsense in his "Court". I have remembered Ray and Phyliss fondly to this day.
July 4, 2014
Bryan and I were so glad to have seen Ray at Cody's graduation last year. It was very special to have been able to spend some time visiting with him. Rest in peace, Uncle Ray.
July 4, 2014
I am sorry I forgot to sign our note. We are so sorry to have to write it. Praying for Phyllis and family. Hank and Sue Ann Roesing
Max & Deborah Hatch
July 4, 2014
Never is it time to lose a loved one. So very sorry to hear that Ray has passed on. Thank goodness we that believe in The Lord, can look forward to reuniting with so many that have gone before us. I can't imagine your sorrow Phyllis, after having Ray by your side for all those years, yet what a wonderful thing that you both did have each other for so long. We are so glad we were able to see you last May at Codys graduation party. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time of goodbyes. God Bless and keep you in His loving Arms.
July 4, 2014
So sad to hear of Ray's passing. Blessing to you Phyliss, and the family.
Leonard and Sigrid Bryant, Mesa, Arizona
July 4, 2014
We are still in shock after hearing the sad news of Ray's passing. He was a dear friend and everyone who ever knew him will miss him. Rest in Peace, Ray.
Audrey Jordan
July 4, 2014
I was in shock when Aunt Phyllis called and told me the sad news. Uncle Ray was a quiet man with awonderful sense of humor. My parents and us kids always look forwrd to their visits.
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