Ray Vetter

Ray Vetter, husband, father, grandfather and retired police officer, took his final walk on October 3, 2011, at the age of 87, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 16, 1923, to Ralph and Helen (Morrisey). He was raised in Toledo, Ohio, attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1941. He grew up during the Great Depression and learned the value of earning a dollar. He took great pride in sharing his good fortune with his family and those in need. At the age of 18 he was drafted into the army and served in the 87th infantry during World War II. He served in the European theater, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He served as a Toledo Police officer for 34 years, retiring at the age of 62. He started out as a patrolman on the accident squad and worked his way up through the ranks; he was promoted to sergeant in 1960, lieutenant in 1964, captain in 1968 and deputy chief in 1971, when he was named assistant chief, the division's second in command. In spite of his career success and high ranking, if anyone asked what he did for a living, he would simply say, “I'm a cop”. He was a very private person who was devoted to his family. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Catherine of Sienna parish for 57 years. He could often be seen walking the streets of West Toledo, during his twice daily exercise route of four miles per day. He was a staunch supporter of Catholic education and took great pride in having his six children and nine grandchildren attend Toledo Catholic grade schools and high schools. He enjoyed listening, watching, and talking about sports, especially Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and the Cleveland Indians. He helped coach Little League baseball, and CYO football and basketball. He attended all of his kid's games and continued to support his grandchildren's sporting events, including t-ball, baseball, football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. Surviving are his loving wife of 62 years, Cecelia; children, Jackie (Brad), Jerry (Mary), Jeff, Jim (Mary Pat), Tim (Cindy), and daughter-in-law, Sue Goetz; grandchildren, Katherine, Maggie, Colleen, Danny, Molly, Nick, Marty, Tommy and Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Helen, son Tom, brother, Ralph, and sister, Jeanne. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7, 2011, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Ansberg-West Funeral Home 3000 Sylvania Avenue. Prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, from the funeral home followed by the funeral services at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine Church, 4555 North Haven. In lieu of flowers (he really never liked funeral flowers); contributions can be made in Ray's memory to Toledo Police Memorial, St. Catherine's Church, Central Catholic High School, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. A special thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially his nurse Linda.

Ray Vetter

December 16, 1923 - October 3, 2011