Raymond Kolz, Jr.

Raymond Nicholas Kolz, Jr., 89, passed away May 2, 2017. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Family will greet friends prior to the service from 1 to 2:00 p.m.

Ray was born July 7, 1927 in Des Moines, IA to Helen (Anderson) and Raymond Kolz, Sr. He graduated from East High School and joined the US Navy. He then attended Grandview College and Drake University, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, and received his Bachelor’s Degree. He then joined the US Air Force and later received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Iowa.

Ray was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. He married Nancy Bjelland on May 23, 1953. Ray worked as a social worker for the Iowa Department of Child and Family Services, Lutheran Social Services and the Des Moines Public Schools. He was an avid golfer and bowler and enjoyed tennis and archery as well. He was a devoted fan of Iowa, Iowa State and Drake. Ray was also a talented wood worker creating unique furniture. He enjoyed making wine, camping in the mountains, hiking, fishing and the outdoors in general. Ray had a terrific sense of humor and one never knew what he would come up with.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Nancy; children, Cindy (Bill) Fleischacker, Kimberly White, Richard (Michele) Kolz; and his grandchildren, Brady, Colton, Kylie and Nick. Ray was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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