Raymond Charles Schleyer of Alliance passed away from cancer November 25, 2021 at the age of 74
Ray was born on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, February 23, 1947, the eldest of five children, to Raymond C. and Doris (Schindler) Schleyer. His formative years were spent growing up in the city, but summer vacations were spent at the family “get away” at Tee Lake, near LaPorte, Indiana, surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. This served as an idyllic respite to city life. Ray graduated from Chicago Vocational High School in 1965 with a major in Architectural Drafting. This training served him well all his life in his penchant for exact detail and perfectionism.
After graduation Ray joined the United States Marine Corps volunteer draft. As a wireman, at the age of 18, he was attached to an artillery company and fought in the infamous Con Thien Hill 881 Da Nang battle of 1967. After his honorable discharge as a Lance Corporal March 29, 1968, Ray returned to Chicago. At this time, he entered the I.B.E.W. Apprenticeship Program and received his Journeyman’s “ticket” as an electrician. During this time back home, he skated in a city hockey league and assisted with youth hockey.
In 1973 his life made an abrupt change as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was soon to be constructed and he made his way north. As an “estimator” for an electrical company, he traveled extensively through Alaska, Canada and the Northwest United States bidding electrical contracts. At this time, he took full advantage of all the area’s majestic wonders. He purchased property in the Alaska wilderness and by hand, without power tools, built a cabin. This enabled him to enjoy the splendor of the area by backpacking, hunting and snowmobiling. The “warmer” months were spent camping, boating and fishing. Also, during the 15 years living in Anchorage, Ray pursued his love of art. His extensive travels provided him with material for his artwork, that he casually pursued.
As the Alaskan pipeline neared completion, Ray returned “home” to the Chicago area and pursued his trade as an electrician and job foreman. At this time he designed and built a beautiful home on his property at the family’s Tee Lake. Eventually self-employment morphed into work from Illinois and Indiana to Michigan and Florida, including not only in electrical but also construction work. His work as a contractor eventually led him across the mid-west until he eventually semi-retired and settled in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 2008.
In Scottsbluff Ray worked as a self-employed contractor, but also enjoyed volunteering and exhibiting at West Nebraska Art Center. Until settling in Nebraska he had been an on and off artist. The “on” was perhaps a few times a year. Once there, though, he began to be more prolific with his artwork, revolving with different themes until settling with his final North American Wildlife theme. His training as a draftsman and his natural inclination to detail lent perfection to his work as a pencil artist and as a meticulous craftsman in woodworking.
Ray first exhibited at Carnegie Arts Center in 2016 which quickly evolved into him moving to Alliance and becoming part of the Carnegie team. He proved to be a valuable member of the organization, never giving less than 110% to any task. More than a great worker, he was a loyal, loving and generous friend. At this time he served on the board of directors of the Alliance Public Library, volunteered at Dobby’s Frontier Town and was Vice President of the Box Butte Art Society. Ray was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Chicago Chiefs and Colorado Avalanche hockey teams, Chicago Cubs baseball team and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Exposure at both art centers was a stimulant for his artwork. Over the last years his drawing table was busy and always had a working piece on it. Ray’s artwork will be exhibited September 29-October 30, 2022, at West Nebraska Art Center, Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Deborah Hart. He is survived by his daughters Christina (Don) Hammermeister of Munster, Indiana and Jaimie (Abraham) Hernandez of Watkins, Minnesota; 10 grandchildren; siblings Doreen (Joseph) Pizzato, St. John, Indiana, Denise (Dan) Grasser and Robert Schleyer, LaPorte, Indiana, brother-in-law David Hart, Florida; and “best friend” Lynne Black Messersmith.
A Graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 3 at the Nebraska Veteran’s Cemetery, Alliance, Nebraska at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Gideon N. Achi officiating. A gathering for family and friends will be held after the service at West Side Event Center.
Memorials may be given to: Marine Toys for Tots, www.toysfortots.org/donate; Carnegie Arts Center, 204 W 4th St., Alliance, NE 69301 or to a doner’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.