Raymond A. Cierzan, 91, formerly of Urbandale, IA, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2021.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Rd (masking is recommended). There will be a private family burial at a later date.
Ray (Butch) was born on November 29, 1929, in Winona, MN. He was the youngest of six children born to Dominic and Frances (Walski) Cierzan. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the US Army (1948-1951), eventually ending up serving in the US Air Force where he was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, until 1955. While at Offutt, he met the love of his life, Dyann Schneider, and they were married on June 6, 1953. Ray graduated from Creighton University in 1958, and moved his wife and young daughter to the Des Moines area to embark on a successful business career. Soon after he was blessed with a son and another daughter. He worked for Meredith Corporation for many years before retiring in 1991. Ray was active in his church, loved hunting, fishing, playing softball, puzzles, and refereeing high school football and basketball games. He was the 63rd Street neighborhood self-made carpenter.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife Dyann, and his great-grandsons, Garrett and Gavin Kanz. He is survived by his children, Debbie (Dan) Kohner, Scott (Carol) Cierzan, Nancy Tapps, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Ray was devoted to God, his family, his country, and his many friends. He was the absolute best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather! We will miss him so very much but will carry his spark of life and his amazing spirit with us forever!!
Memorials may be directed to Perry Lutheran Home, 2323 Willis Ave, Perry, IA 50220.
