Raymond W. Dethart, 82, of Sparta died Friday, March 7, 2008 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. He was born on January 3, 1926 in Sparta to William and Ella (Schlaver) Dethart. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School in 1943. He attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison from 1943 until 1944.

     Ray served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until being discharged in 1946. He served in the United States and China. After the service he completed his degree in electrical engineering at U.W. – Madison. He worked at Allis Chalmers in West Allis, Wisconsin and then attended school to become an accountant.

     He married the former Doris Mess on September 5, 1953 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Sparta. After marriage they lived in Sparta. They built a new home in the Township of Sparta in 1958 and have lived there ever since. Ray worked for Larkin Pontiac Garage in Tomah, then for Vere Young in sculptured advertising. He then retired from Mississippi Valley Hardwoods in 2000. He enjoyed gardening, and fishing. Ray was a member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church and served on various church boards and the usher staff.

     He is survived by his wife, Doris of Sparta; a son, Ronald (Ruth) Dethart of Sparta; three grandchildren, Erik, Veronika, David; a sister, Leona Krismer of La Crosse; many close cousins, Ruth, Don, Ken, Jerry, Anita, Evelyn, and Eileen.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, George Krismer.

     Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Sparta with Reverend Mark Wessel officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 2112 will be in the Leon Cemetery, Leon.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Sunday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

     Memorials may be given to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.