Ray A. Gottschall
Ray A. Gottschall
Obituary
Guest Book
Ray A. Gottschall Obituary
Ray A. Gottschall, age 86 of Dayton, Ohio made his transition on August 19. 2025. He was born November 14, 1938 in Dayton, Ohio son of the late Fremont and Marguerite Gottschall.
Ray served in the Navy and benefited from the supportive care that he received from the dedicated staff at the Dayton VA Medical Center. He retired a tool maker by trade and maintained his passion for how physical things work and how to repair them. Ray was a longtime member of the Miami Valley Folk Dance Club. Folk dancing had been an enduring passion beginning when he was a teenager. He traveled to Yugoslavia several times meeting new friends, learning new dances, getting to know the culture imbedded in the dances, and then bringing them back to Dayton to teach. Other passions included Christmas which was his favorite Holiday, as well as meeting new people from other cultures. Ray liked to attend and participate in Churches that welcomed and embraced everyone. Spiritual support groups and friends were also a passion, especially "A Course In Miracles" and friends of Bill W. and anyone who understood the beautiful, loving, and forgiving nature of God, whatever they may call God.
Rays favorite quote was: "We know who's got our back"
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie (Joe) Shump; brother, Earl (Kathy Payne) Gottschall; and nephew, Bill Powell.
He is survived by his niece, Beth Powell; great nieces, Pamela (Carlos) Chavando and Ashley Powell; great nephew, Brandon Powell; faithful friend, Pete DiGeronimo; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 9am at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rays honor to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton at 166 Nicholas Road, Dayton, Ohio 45417: attention Karen Banks and or the charity of your choice.
To share a memory of Ray or to leave a special message for his family, please sign the online guestbook provided.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4104 Needmore Rd., Dayton, OH 45424
People and places connected with Ray A.
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ray A. Gottschall
Make a Donation
in Ray A. Gottschall's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Ray A.'s loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ray A. Gottschall's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
