Raymond M. Mehtala, 83, of Superior, died Sunday, April 14, 2019 at his residence.

Raymond was born on May 22, 1935 the son of John and Mary Mehtala.

He sailed the Great Lakes for many years and had worked on the Barge, Gaylord. He enjoyed watching Wisconsin sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. Raymond was proud of his Finnish heritage and spoke of it often. He also enjoyed watching Westerns and listening to Country music. Raymond was a "member" of Mike's Place and Strikers Bar, where he could often be found socializing and telling jokes. Most important to him was his family. He loved spending time with his kids and grandchildren.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Violet Wentala, Judy Mehtala, and Helen Mehtala; and brothers, Walter Ojala and Leslie Mehtala.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rita; six children, Judy Mehtala, Julie Mehtala, Raymond 'Scott' Mehtala, Edward (Robin) Mehtala all of Superior, Kelly (Scott) Livingstone of Tenino, WA and Mary (Paul) Wicklander of Puyallup, WA; brother, John Mehtala; sister, Irene McEvilly; cousin, Richard (Diane) Mehtala;  21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19 ^th St. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Oulu.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.