Raymond W. Bulthuis

Raymond Walter Bulthuis, 75, of Chicago, IL but formerly of Sparta, died Thursday, January 7, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born on Feb 1, 1945 to James and Florence (Davey) Bulthuis.

     He grew up in Chicago IL. He attended grade school and vocational high school in Chicago. After high school Ray attended college in Denver where he majored in business. After graduation Ray joined the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967. While in the Navy he was an airman on a aircraft carriers. During his time on aircraft carriers his most memorable experience was on the USS Kitty Hawk. Ray also enjoyed flying so much that he got his airplane pilots license and also owned his own plane. After leaving the Navy, Ray started his civilian career working at Fort McCoy in the transportation department. He retired from Fort McCoy on February 28, 2005. Ray was united in marriage to his beloved wife Carmen on April 12, 2004. Ray enjoyed spending time with his two step sons, Scott and Mark Chase and grandson’s Alex, Max, Kaden Chase. Ray had many hobbies such as fishing, turkey hunting, small game and loved operating his ham radio. He also enjoyed going to a casino every so often where he would be people watching while his wife played the slots. 

     Ray is preceded in death by his parents James and Florence Bulthuis; brothers, Nicholas, James, Bert, William Bulthuis; sister, Arleen Giggleman; sister in law, Carol Bulthuis; brother in law, Carl Giggleman; daughter in law, Anna Chase.

     Ray is survived by his wife, Carmen Bulthuis; stepson, Scott (Tina) Chase, (Fitchburg, WI),  Mark Chase ( Gainesville, VT); 6 Grand Children, Alex Chase, Max Chase, Kaden Chase, Rachael Williams, Alex Williams and Eli Williams; Brother: Edward and Bonnie Bulthuis (Webster, FL); Sister in law, Mary Ann Bulthuis ( Kingsland Georgia); Many nieces and nephews, and a wonderful special sister in law Susan Bolden.

    A service will be held at the Lanham-Scanhofer Funeral Home on January 23, 2021 at 4 P.M. with Reverend Randy Williamson officiating. Family and friends can call between 2 to 4 P.M. on Saturday, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered to Ray’s family at www.schanhoferfh.com.

    The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements

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