Raymond James Klinger of East Tawas passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012 at the Iosco County Medical Care Facility, age 98 years. Ray was born on June 5, 1914 in East Tawas to Francis and Martha (Schramm) Klinger. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School. He owned and operated Ray's Shoe and Shoe Repair in East Tawas for 46 years, retiring in 1975 and continued to repair shoes at home until the first of the year. Those who knew and loved him will always remember how Ray truly enjoyed hunting, shoe repair, leather crafts and planting trees. He served on the East Tawas Fire Department for 28 years, six years as fire chief. Ray was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus No. 2709 in East Tawas and a faithful parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church. He married his lovely wife, Ardis L. Klinger on Oct. 7, 1939 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Tawas. Together, they celebrated 72 beautiful years of marriage Ardis preceded him in death on May 1, 2012. Ray is also preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Martha Klinger; brothers, Francis and Charles Klinger; sister, Margaret; sister-in-law, Ruth Klinger; and a son-in-law, Bruce Ehrnst. Ray is survived by his seven loving children, Esther (Lynn) Ressequie of Saginaw, Frank (Sandy) Klinger, Ellen (Neil) Mochty, Ronald (Jean) Klinger, Carl Klinger, Lyle (Louise) Klinger all of East Tawas, and Ann Ehrnst of Lennon; 22 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. The Knights of Columbus will lead the Rosary prayer at 7 p.m. that evening. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas with Father Charles Donajkowski officiating. His family will welcome friends at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Interment will follow the funeral mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in East Tawas. Those wishing to do so may make memorial donations to the Holy Family Catholic School in East Tawas. Funeral arrangements are by Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.