Submitted by: Dan Rich
Raymond J. Stoddard
July 14, 1932 - Jan. 10, 2008
South Bend Tribune 1/13/2008
MISHAWAKA - Raymond J. Stoddard, 75, of Mishawaka, passed
away Thursday, January 10, 2008, in Holy Cross Care &
Rehabilitation Center, South Bend. Ray was born July 14, 1932, in
Osceola, a son of the late Cleland and Mildred (Breden)
Stoddard. He grew up in Osceola and served his country in the US
Army from 1949 to 1950.
On June 11, 1966, in South Bend, he married
Jessie Ann Bilinski and the couple made Mishawaka their
home. Ray was employed for many years at Wheelabrator-Frye in
Mishawka. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church. Ray
loved fishing and was a member and past treasurer of the PNA
Fishmeran's Club. He also enjoyed raising Beagles. Ray was a very
devoted Chicago Cubs Fan and looked forward every year to the
season starting. His family was an important part of his life and
he was especially fond of his grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
Ray's surviving family includes his wife,
Jessie; four children, Vickie Narkawicz of Mishawaka, Jim
(Lisa) Grubbs of South Bend, Rae Ann (Dave) Williams
of Mishawaka and Amy Paturalski of Mishawaka; a brother,
Lyle "Bud" Stoddard, five sisters, Ruth Bilinski,
Deloris "Dee" Ciesialka, Lois Sommerville,
Jane Temple and Norma Jean Modlin; 15
grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in
death by two brothers and two sisters.
Friends may spend time with Ray's family
Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells
Funeral Home, 503 W. Third St., Mishawaka, where the Rosary will
be prayed at 7 p.m., followed by a time of sharing memories. Mass
of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in
St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., with Rev.
Jeffery Largent officiating. Visitation is also Tuesday from 9:30
- 10:30 a.m. in the church. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill
Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Memorials may be given to The Center
for Hospice & Palliative Care or St. Monica Church.
Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.