August 'Ray' Savera

PENCE, Wis. - August "Ray" Savera, 88, of Pence, passed away at his home on July 21, 2019, in the arms of his wife, Kathy, with his sister-in-law, Sally, by his side.

He was born on Dec. 28, 1930, in Ironwood, Mich., to August and Christine (Hakala) Savera. He graduated from Hurley High School in 1949.

He attended college in Superior, Wis., leaving before graduation to enter the U.S. Air Force. He completed his education while in the Air Force, earning his master's degree.

Ray served in the Air Force for 26 years, retiring on Dec. 11, 1977, as a commissioned officer, Lt. Col. August R. Savera. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He has a very extensive, distinguished and inspiring military history. He served his country with honor and dignity.

On June 11, 1955, he was married to the former Catherine Bluse of Saxon. They were blessed with four children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Catherine passed away in March of 2000.

Per Ray's written word, he said that while on a visit to Wisconsin in 2001, he was introduced to the love of his life, a gorgeous and intelligent woman whose name was also Kathy. They were together for 18 years, marrying on Sept. 11, 2009. He reported that they were the happiest two kids you would ever meet! They spent a lot of time traveling and enjoying life to the fullest. Their marriage enabled him to welcome into his life three stepchildren and five stepgrandchildren. He was loved and enjoyed by each of them.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughters, Pam (Ken) Howard of Colleyville, Texas, and Shawn Savera of Irving, Texas; sons, Jeff (Pam) Savera, Haslet, Texas, and Greg (Maria) Savera of Keller, Texas; sisters-in-law, Ann Alonen of Colleyville, Texas, and Sally Ann Orlich of Pence; brothers-in-law, Bernard (Patricia) Wyszynski of Appleton, and Byron and Georgianna Bluse of Wisconsin; his stepchildren, Joel Miller of Hurley, Jessica (Scot) Alleva of Hurley and Joy (Zeus) Greer of Harrisburg, Pa .; five stepgrandchildren; his adopted sister, Lolly Vandevoorde of Pence; his very special friend, Lawrence Kutz of Hurley; and his faithful companions, Mickey D and Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Lois.

Ray was a very kind, generous and compassionate man. He was always there to help and support others, not treating them like "less than" others due to their circumstances. To know Ray was to love him.

Per Ray's request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Ray wanted any donations to be given to the local Vietnam Veterans Association.

Cremation has taken place.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Mich. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.