Raymond John Hossalla

Raymond John Hossalla, 84, of Mesa, Ariz., went to be with his Lord and Savior Feb. 29, 2012.

He was born in Long Prairie, Minn. Aug. 31, 1927 to Joseph and Susie (Gaffke) Hossalla. He married Nancy (Nordswen) Anderson Dec. 12, 1986.

Ray served in the United States Army during World War II. He retired after 37 years from U.S. Steel in 1981. During that time and after, he tended bar in Duluth, Superior, and the Twin Cities Area, Minnesota.

Ray was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Mesa, Ariz., Moose Lodge 2082, American Legion Post 26 and VFW Post 1760. He enjoyed cooking, automobiles, entertaining friends and family and was an avid reader.

In addition to his wife Nancy, Ray is survived by two daughters, Linda (Pat) Brophy, Hermantown, and Lisa (Billy) Franz, Coon Rapids, Minn.; two stepdaughters, Lisa Tahtinen, Brule, and Billie Jo (Scott) Gunderson, Lake Nebagamon; one stepson, Bob (Colleen) Anderson, Foxboro, Wis.; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernice (Bob) Pillsbury, Duluth; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Diane (Curt) Trevena, Duluth; one son-in-law, Ronald Tahtinen Jr., Brule; one brother, Richard (Doris) Hossalla, Georgetown, Texas; and one sister, Jeanette (Chet) Berggren, Port Wing, Wis.

A private service was held March 8, at Valley of the Sun Cemetery, Chandler, Ariz. Rev. Leland Bottjen officiated.

Leave an online condolence to the family at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com.

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