Raymond L. Dums

Raymond L. Dums, age 99, passed away peacefully, in the early morning hours of September 15th, at the Water's Edge Skilled Nursing facility in Hayward, WI.

Ray was born on March 11, 1925, in Milwaukee, but spent most of his earlier years in Chelsea, and Ogema, WI. At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and proudly fought for our Country, during WW11. He was serving as a radio operator in Okinawa, when his command came under attack, and he was severely wounded. Ray spent two years in the hospital recovering. He was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a true hero.

After being released from the hospital, he returned home to Wisconsin, and shortly thereafter, was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lael (Peterson) from Westboro. Together, they had two sons: Danny and Dennis. After serving in the military, Ray worked for the US Postal Service in Ogema, until the time he retired in 1985. It was then that he and Lael moved to Seeley and lived in the log home built for them by their sons, which is located next to the Wild and Scenic River. Ray loved the "outdoors"! Hunting and fishing were his passion, and you could always find him in the woods scouting for something, or on some local lake or river catching a meal of fish! Additionally, Ray had a sharp mind, and an incredible sense of humor! He loved reading, politics, and keeping up with world affairs.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Lael, and grandson Raymond H.R. Dums. He is survived by his loving family… two brothers: Robert, from Marshfield, and Richard, from Whittlesey. His sons: Danny (Ruth) Dums, and Dennis Dums from Seeley. His grandchildren: Chris Dums (Julie) from Curtis, MI. Aricca (Doug)Van Citters, Hanover, NH., Donovan (Sarah) Dums from Seeley, and Malu Govindan (Dums) Seeley. His great grandchildren: Nicholas, Donovan, and Lilian Van Citters. Neel and Hael Dums. And Nadya, Nathaniel, and Lena Dums. Ray is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at Water's Edge for the outstanding care he received for the past five years. Interment will be held on November 26th at the Spooner Veteran's Cemetery, at 11:00a.m.