Raymond Roy Raisl

Raymond "Butch" Raisl passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on December 14, 2024, at his home in Richey.

Butch was born in Glendive, MT to Vera (Baese) and James "Jim" Raisl on December 8, 1946. He grew up in Richey MT and graduated from RHS in 1965. Reminiscing with his high school buddies, who became lifelong friends, often ended up in gales of laughter and head shakes.

Butch attended MSU in Bozeman and graduated with a degree in accounting. He was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia and in Germany bringing his bride, Colleen with him. After Butch's honorable discharge from the service, they moved to Billings where he began his career with Kelly Accounting, working the tax season during the winter months for over 40 years. Butch worked in road construction during the summer months until 1975 when he returned to Richey to farm with his brother, Bill. Butch genuinely loved farming; however, he was ready to turn his part over to the next generation after Chris, Bill's son, returned to Montana in 2017 and stepped into Butch's shoes in the farm operation.

After his marriage ended in divorce and a few years of the single life, Butch connected with Judy Buller. This resulted in a friendship that grew into love and marriage which lasted for 32 years until Judy's death in November. Judy was his soul mate, sharing in the joy of rebirth in the spring, summer harvests, rides around the country and ice cream. Every year they moved to Billings during the tax season, exploring new places to eat and catching up with friends and family in the area. Butch's love and devotion to Judy showed throughout her long struggle with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Butch and Judy served the Richey community for many years as EMT's and volunteers for the Richey Fire Department, Butch as fire chief and Judy as dispatcher. Butch's love for the community of Richey was evident from the hours served and the support given to help local needs. He delighted in the success of young people, especially those of his nieces and nephews.

Butch enjoyed hunting, flying across the prairie in a pickup chasing antelope, walking in the mountains scouting for elk or sharing the stories from such adventures. He liked to fish and work with wood in the shop that he and Tim Buller shared. Butch was a friend to all with a ready smile, a memorable laugh and helping hands.

In addition to Judy, loved ones who preceded Butch in death were his parents Jim and Vera Raisl; his mother and father-in-law Carol and Jim Buller; siblings Kenneth Raisl, Elaine Raisl and Betty Timp; in-laws Darrel Buller, Karen Moore, Duane Ulrich and Don Timp; nephews Mikel and Colin Ulrich and niece Paulette Wengeler.

He is survived by his brothers Bob of Richey MT, Bill (Patti) Raisl of Glendive, MT; in-laws Bonnie (Larry) Smith of Richey, MT, Nancy Ulrich of Richey MT, Cami (Ed) Mahoney of Kodiak AK, Jan Buller of Richey MT and Jim (Erika) Moore of Seattle WA and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for April 19, 2025, at the Richey Senior Citizens Center in Richey, MT with burial for his and Judy's remains at the Richey Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Richey Ambulance Service or the Richey Fire Department, 112 Antelope Ave E, Richey MT 59259 or the Richey Rod and Gun Club, P. O. Box 232 Richey MT 59259. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.