Helzer, Raymond “Ray” L., Aug. 23, 1926-March 27, 2014 The Tribune Greeley, Colorado 30 Mar 2014 Age: 87 Residence: Greeley Raymond “Ray” Helzer, 87, of Greeley, went home to be with his Lord on March 27, 2014, at Fairacres Manor. He was born Aug. 23, 1926, in Windsor, to Conrad and Katherine (Kindsfater) Helzer. He attended school in Bracewell. Ray’s fondest memories were relatives, neighbors and playing with his beloved family. He enjoyed his horses and 4-H; winning honors with his hog that he exhibited. World War II broke out, and he was drafted into the Army in October 1945. While in Yokohama, Japan, he was a cook; his platoon’s mission was to clean out the caves at the end of the war. While there, a young Japanese boy and his sister, were found going through the garbage can, Ray requested that the young man, Tony, help in the kitchen. He was always thankful he could help anyone in need. While in Japan, his mother passed away Sept. 12, 1946, his life was changed forever. Her last letter was written Sept. 5, 1946, and was delivered to him after her burial. After his service, he returned to farm life and worked for his father. He met Florence Miller in 1947, while attending a surprise birthday party for her. They were married Nov. 30, 1947. Their journey together carried them through 66 years and four months. During their married life, they welcomed their daughter, Judy, in January 1950. Florence’s father passed away suddenly, and they welcomed Florence’s two siblings, Darlene and Harvey, into their home. Ray always considered them to be his children, Judy accepted them with open arms. In 1970, they welcomed their son-in-law, Jim Scofield, into the family, followed by two grandsons, Shane and Ryan. Ray was so proud of his grandsons; they were the joy of his life. They are equally fond of him. While farming, Ray was awarded two years of the High Ten Beet Grower. Bob Singer asked Ray if he could nominate him for Young Farmer of The Year, and he declined the offer. Ray loved to feed sheep and cattle on the farm. When his farming career ended, he went into selling livestock equipment and later went into real estate. He loved people; everyone was Ray’s friend. He was a faithful attendee of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; he helped in the building of the church, at its present location. He served on the board at Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, for two terms and enjoyed that position very much. In 2003, he traveled with family to Germany, in search of genealogy on Florence’s side of the family. He saw the origination of the family from Germany, before their migration to Russia. Ray is survived by his wife, Florence; daughter, Judy and husband, Jim Scofield of Greeley; two grandsons, Shane Scofield and Ryan Scofield, all of Greeley; Darlene (Miller) and husband, Bill Honstein of Greeley; Harvey Miller and wife, Susanna Leubcke of Berlin, Germany. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Reynolds; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Katherine; and brothers, Harold, Ed, Le Roy, Rich and Marvin. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at Stoddard Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 3, 2014, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.