Ray Sime

Raymond “Codge” Sime, Jr., age 94, of Viola, Wis. passed away peacefully March 14, 2021, at Vernon Memorial Hospital with family by his side. He was born February 27, 1927, in his grandmother’s house on East Wisconsin St. in Viola to Raymond Sime, Sr. and Harriet Anderson Sime. Except for his early childhood in Janesville he spent his entire life in Viola, living 65 years at his home on West Wisconsin St. He attended Viola Schools and in 1945 graduated early to enlist in the Navy. After serving time on an LST ship in the Pacific during WWII he returned to Viola and worked in his parents’ locker plant. He married Doris Jacobson on a dusty Tuesday evening, August 21, 1951, at Our Saviors’ Lutheran Church in Westby. They had two daughters, Lynn and Heidi. He returned to school, graduating from Vernon County Teacher’s College in 1960 and later from La Crosse State. He began his teaching career at Smith School in rural Westby but soon became a teacher at Viola Jr. High and continued there until his retirement in 1987. Ray enjoyed frequent outdoor excursions with Doris, his children and grandchildren. He loved everything the outdoors had to offer including watching birds and wildlife, scouting deer and turkey, trapping, gardening, hiking, hunting arrowheads, searching for morels, fishing and snake hunting (especially in the bluffs by the Mississippi). He had a vast knowledge of nature, especially of plants and trees. He was a wonderful grandfather and shared his love and respect of nature and his knowledge with Ben, Lauren and Nick. He was widely read, took three daily newspapers and was known to read the dictionary for enjoyment. During the summers he grew ginseng. In retirement years he raised sheep as a hobby and went on countless pigeon show trips with Jim Schneider. He served 50+ years on the Viola Fire Department, many of those as secretary. He also served a number of years on the election board. He was proud of having served his country during World War II. Ray wanted it said of him that he always voted Republican, and wasn’t a particular fan of the Packers. Others wanted it said of him that he had a tendency to overcomplicate the simplest task in a charming way, was an engaging and talkative man, and had a history lesson tucked into every conversation. He is survived by daughters, Lynn (Wayne) Zeller and Heidi (Todd Hunter); grandchildren: Ben (Nina) Martin, Lauren Martin (Adam Peters) and Nick Martin; and great-grandsons, Jacob Andrew Martin and James Alexander Martin. Also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Gochenaur and her children David and Nancy and their families; cousin Gary Sime; Doris’ family, friends and good neighbors, his Fire Department “family” and his cat Scut. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Doris of 64 years, brothers-in-law Bill Gochenaur, Garold Jacobson, Harlan Jacobson and his canine friend Rowan. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the Village of Viola Community Center. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at the Viola Cemetery immediately following the service. For the safety of everyone attending, face masks are required. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Viola Fire Department or the Kickapoo High School Track Shed Fund. The family would like to thank longtime neighbors Gary and Sherry Erlandson, Michelle Heitmann and family, and Hugh Oliver for their help and friendship that allowed Ray to continue to stay in his home. Additional thanks to Dr. Duane Koons, Dr. Elizabeth Roberts and Dr. Paul Bergquist for their exceptional medical care and compassion along with the nurses that were so gentle and attentive to Ray at the end of his life. Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving Ray's family. 123 W. Decker St Viroqua, Wis. 54665 608-637-2100