Raymond G. Tetschner passed away on Oct. 1, 2006, due to complications from illness. His wife Linda and three daughters were by his side.

He was born Sept. 5, 1945, in Sheridan, Wyo., to Allen and Helen Tetschner. He was a strong, fun-loving husband, father and grandfather. He worked in construction for most of his life until a car accident in 1999 hindered his ability to continue working.

Dad was a fighter until the end. He loved his wife, family and grandchildren. He enjoyed being busy, whether it was working around their small ranch or spending time with family. He loved fishing, hunting, playing his guitar, dancing and making people laugh. He was also a member of the Elks.

In 1962, he met Linda Benner, who became his wife on May 22, 1965. Of this marriage were born their four children: daughter Brenda, son Brett, daughters Kimberly and Wendy. From these children, Ray and Linda were blessed with six grandchildren: Jessica Tetschner; Dawson, Mason and Madason Bender, Austin and Jordan Hernandez.

He spent many years teaching his girls how to have fun, dance, to work hard for what they wanted and to always do a good job no matter what they were doing. "It's easier to do it right the first time" is what he used to tell us. He also taught us the important things, like how to laugh, hunt, fish, camp, to enjoy music, how to work on the ranch and to do construction. He gave us countless memories, a strong family bond, a love of the outdoors and a strong work ethic. Our only wish is that our children could have known and learned more from the great man that we knew. He was always willing to help people and, regardless of his health condition, he was always right there trying. He always had time to talk to everyone and as a result of this, he was usually late for something else, but that was just Dad.

Ray is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughters, Brenda Tetschner (Daryn Slovak) of Billings, Kimberly (Barry) Bender of Worden and Wendy (Frank) Hernandez of Pompeys Pillar; his grandchildren, Jessica, Dawson, Mason, Madason, Austin and Jordan. Also, by his sisters Agnes (Dan) Blaney of Sheridan, Karen (John) Steir of Sheridan, Fern (Mike) Leach of Sheridan, Shirley (Ray) Weinberg of Kalispell; his brother, Carroll Tetschner (Becky Tetschner) of Sheridan; his nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Ray is preceded in death by his son, Brett; his father, Allen; and his mother, Helen.

Dad knew a lot of people in his life and touched many hearts. He will be missed greatly by them all. He was a wonderful man and we too will greatly miss him.

"I will Always Love you Honey, and We will Always Love you Dad, Grandpa, Papa Ray. You will forever be in our hearts and in our thoughts. You will always keep us laughing, even through the tears we shed now. You'll never be forgotten, because you live on in all of us. Go with God and feel no pain. Be happy!"

Funeral services will be held at Smith's Downtown Chapel on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. Cremation to follow. Visitation will begin Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Smith's Funeral Chapel, at 3 p.m.

Burial of cremains will be held at a later time.

Billings Gazette - October 3, 2006