Raymond Toelle

Raymond E. Toelle, passed into the arms of his Lord, at the age of 98, on April 24, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Matilda, and his sisters Margaret and Lorraine. Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years Helen, children Raymond J. (Nancy), Paul (Kathy), Todd (Pam) and Sandra (Mike) Balistriere; grandchildren James (Anna), Dr. Lisa Toelle, Jay, Jessie (Diana), Ashley, Paul Jr. and Julie as well as eight great grandchildren. Further survived by other relations and friends. Raymond was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids. At the age of 18 he answered the call of his country and fought as a B-29 Tail gunner in the Pacific during World War II. After a night raid, Raymond's plane was shot down. He was held as a Prisoner of War in Japan. He was awarded The Purple Heart. After the war, Ray returned home to Wisconsin. It was then that a young woman by the name of Helen caught Ray's eye. They moved to Milwaukee where Ray joined the team at National and then the A & P Grocery Stores until his retirement at the age of 55. He was on the Board of Directors for the Retail Clerks Union for 25 years. Ray and Helen would volunteer with various veteran service organizations like the VFW and the DAV particularly for POWs. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to The VA Medical Center for their wonderful care and concern. They would also like to offer a special thanks to the nurses and Staff at The Lutheran Home of Wauwatosa for their compassion and care. In Lieu of flowers please make memorials to American Ex-Prisoners of War in Raymond's name. American Ex- Prisoners of War P.O. Box3445 Arlington TX 76007