RAYMOND F. WILLIG

RAYMOND F. WILLIG, 92, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. He was a lifelong Fort Wayne resident. Born Oct. 17, 1926, he was the son of Bernard and Hilda (Fruech tenicht) Willig. He attended Central High School. He was a veteran of World War II, 30th Infantry Division, serving in the European Theater where he earned five Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, and numerous other decorations. He was also a veteran of the Korean War, Second Infantry Division, Master Sergeant, earning the Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Stars and other decorations. Among his awards, he received a decree from President Hollande of France stating that he was appointed a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor for his merits and accomplishments in the liberation of France. Ray retired from International Harvester and from Concordia Theological Seminary. He was a member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church for 46 years. Surviving are close friend, Sharon Buffenbarger; four daughters, Diana (Lawrence) Otis, Cheryl Willig, Pamela (Charles) Pitsch, and Deborah (Daniel) Evans; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great- great-grandson. He was also survived by his sisters, Sharon Davis and Juanita Miranda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Hilda Willig; wife, Anita Rose (Shoemaker) Willig; brother, Robert Willig; and grandson, Douglas Gilreath. Service is 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 1819 Reservation Drive, Fort Wayne (IN 46819), with visitation from 11 a.m. until time of service. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church or Visiting Nurse. www.advantagefunerals.com