Ray A. Gottschall

Ray A. Gottschall, age 86 of Dayton, Ohio made his transition on August 19. 2025. He was born November 14, 1938 in Dayton, Ohio son of the late Fremont and Marguerite Gottschall.

Ray served in the Navy and benefited from the supportive care that he received from the dedicated staff at the Dayton VA Medical Center. He retired a tool maker by trade and maintained his passion for how physical things work and how to repair them. Ray was a longtime member of the Miami Valley Folk Dance Club. Folk dancing had been an enduring passion beginning when he was a teenager. He traveled to Yugoslavia several times meeting new friends, learning new dances, getting to know the culture imbedded in the dances, and then bringing them back to Dayton to teach. Other passions included Christmas which was his favorite Holiday, as well as meeting new people from other cultures. Ray liked to attend and participate in Churches that welcomed and embraced everyone. Spiritual support groups and friends were also a passion, especially "A Course In Miracles" and friends of Bill W. and anyone who understood the beautiful, loving, and forgiving nature of God, whatever they may call God.

Rays favorite quote was: "We know who's got our back"

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie (Joe) Shump; brother, Earl (Kathy Payne) Gottschall; and nephew, Bill Powell.

He is survived by his niece, Beth Powell; great nieces, Pamela (Carlos) Chavando and Ashley Powell; great nephew, Brandon Powell; faithful friend, Pete DiGeronimo; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 9am at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 West Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Rays honor to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton at 166 Nicholas Road, Dayton, Ohio 45417: attention Karen Banks and or the charity of your choice.

To share a memory of Ray or to leave a special message for his family, please sign the online guestbook provided.