Ray HELBLING

Ray went to be with his heavenly Father from his winter home in Lake Havasu City Arizona, February 11, 2005 in the presence of family and friends. He was born to Arthur and Clementine Helbling at Golden Valley, North Dakota August 18, 1919. Ray attended grade school in Gladstone North Dakota where his father operated a farm machinery business. He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Bismarck North Dakota and attended St. John’s College, St. Cloud Minnesota. After moving with his family to Moscow Idaho in 1939 he attended the University of Idaho where he was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity and met his future wife. At the beginning of World War II he was employed by the Corps of Engineers and helped build an airfield at Dutch Harbor Alaska. He returned home in 1943, married Lorene Rach and joined the Army Air Corps and completed assignments in California, New Mexico and Colorado.In 1945 he joined his father as a partner in the Helbling Brothers, International Harvester dealership completing his career in the Genesee and Moscow dealerships. He was always known as a trusted friend to farmers of the Palouse Empire, the Idaho Legislature and the citizens of Moscow. Ray was always proud to say “Smile You Live in Moscow Idaho”! Civic activities included terms as President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and President of the North Idaho Chamber. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Elk’s Lodge, Rotary, American Legion, Knights of Columbus; Moscow Executive’s Club and was active in Boy Scout activities.Ray and Rene wintered in Lake Havasu City for the past 25 years during their retirement and enjoyed fishing, boating and special family times with children and grandchildren at Twin Lakes Idaho. He is survived by his wife Rene, Son Tom and wife Judy of Kirkland, WA, Daughter Nancy Thiessen and Husband Bob of Sacramento California, Son Greg and wife Kathy of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. He has six grandchildren, Heidi & Mark Helbling of Kirkland, Washington, Carrie Keller of Santa Barbara, California, Ryan Keller of Lewiston Idaho and Bret and Brandon Helbling of Coeur d’ Alene Idaho. Additional survivors include brothers Arthur and William Helbling of Moscow Idaho, Sisters Dorothy Sweeney of Petaluma California, Charlotte Schovaers of Palm Desert California and Sister Delores Helbling OSU of Great Falls Montana. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Bob and Jim and Daughter Janice.Ray was certainly known for his friendly and caring disposition, love of people and willingness to lend a helping hand.A memorial service is scheduled February 18, at 11 am at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. A funeral service will be conducted at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Moscow in the late spring. Internment will be at the Moscow Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.