Raymond Lawrence Nastansky

August 6, 1927 to September 3, 2014

Ray was born in Cloquet, Minnesota on August 6, 1927 to Gust and Louise Nastansky.  He had three brothers and two sisters.

Ray was proud to be a Veteran.  He served in the Regular Army during 1946 – 1947 and was honorably discharged as a Tech 5.  He received the World War II Victory Ribbon.  He worked on the Iron Range in Northern Minnesota and as a customer service technician for natural gas.

Ray met the love of his life, Margaret, in Dent, Minnesota at a dance and that began a long-lasting journey for the two of them.  They married on September 12, 1949.  Job changes had them living in various cities in Minnesota including Hibbing, Hopkins, LeSueur, and Brainerd.  In 1996 Ray and Margaret moved to Lacey, Washington.  They enjoyed retirement by spending winters in warmer climates like Tuscon, Mesa, and Yuma, Arizona.  Ray enjoyed getting to know new people and making new friends.  He felt blessed by all the friendships he made over the years but especially enjoyed his recent years in Lacey and Yuma.

Ray brought joy and smiles to friends and family. He had a quick wit, ready smile, and a great sense of humor.  He shared his love of arts, crafts, woodworking, stained glass, square dancing, hunting and fishing with many over the years.  He was an artist in everything he tried.  He could fix anything and enjoyed teaching others.  He loved to play cards and always enjoyed the challenge of a quick game of cribbage.

He was a wonderful husband and a great dad and granddad. He taught and demonstrated the importance of love, respect, hard work, and family.

Ray and his wife, Margaret, would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 12th.  They could still be seen holding hands or sneaking a kiss.

Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret, their three children Sue (Jim) of Vero Beach, FL, Mary Jane of Bremerton, WA, and Tony (Dawn) of Lacey, WA, five grandchildren Tom (Wendy), Ron (Amanda), Jenny (Reuben), Justin (Meghan), Carrie (Tim) and ten great-grandchildren.  Ray was preceded in death by his sons Bill and John and son-in-law Steve.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker St SE. Lacey, WA at 9 am Wednesday September 10.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Dent, Minnesota.