Raymond C. Zelka, Jr.

Raymond C.  Zelka Jr. 

FORT SMITH – Raymond C.  "Sonny " Zelka Jr., 95, entered Heaven along a beautiful double rainbow pathway that God painted for him in the early evening of June 3, 2024.  He was surrounded by family and an amazing care team at Big Horn Hospital in Hardin, MT. Our dad, grandfather and friend fought a short but valiant battle with COVID.

Raymond was the first of six children born to Raymond and Ursula (Janskovitch) Zelka on September 14, 1928, in Hardin, MT.

Raymond proudly served our country in the United States Army. He shared many talents throughout his life, but the one dearest to his heart was that of taking care of his community and family – having raised three families of his own.

Raymond married Betty Washburn (Rae) and Ula Colman (Bobbie, Debra, Sean).  On March 10, 1978, Raymond joined his soulmate and best friend, Margaret Kaul Miller (Larry, Pam, Patti), in marriage. Together with their blended family, they made their homes in Billings and Fort Smith.

Raymond was devoted to his family, friends and Catholic faith. Dad was never one to let the grass grow under his feet and served in many professional positions.  Dad spent the majority of his career in the industrial gas business as a salesman and as an owner of H & R Oxygen.  When H & R Oxygen was sold to Liquid Air, dad stayed on to share his wealth of knowledge and run the plant that he built in Laurel, MT until his first retirement.  Dad then started the cable TV system in Fort Smith, MT.  Dad also served as the Administrator of the Moose Lodge 558 in Billings, MT for several years and many more as a volunteer.  After his 2nd retirement, dad then started a propane business in Fort Smith to ensure everyone could be served, no matter the time of day or night (and to make his homemade bombs that scared the bejeezus out of us).  He was quite the character.  Dad’s Last two positions were “Mayor” of Fort Smith and a member of the water board – bringing clean and safe water to his retirement community.  Dad finally retired at the young age of 90 and only due to his declining vision.  His “supervisory skills” remained keen while anyone, family or contractor, was performing work at the Fort.

The “Mayor” of Fort Smith was always there to lend a hand, a tool and an idea of how something could or should be fixed.  His legacy for all of us is that we never heard him speak unkindly about anyone – EVER!

He was a true gentleman – always setting an example to honor your commitments and hold true to your word.  What an amazing mentor!

He loved camping, road trips with the crazy bunch from Wisconsin and trips with family exploring new scenery and adventures.

Preceding Raymond in death are his parents; his loving wife of 33 yrs, Peggy Zelka, two brothers (Robert and James), two sisters, (Mary Agnes and Ursula); several aunts and uncles, a daughter, Rae; a granddaughter, Antoinette; a grandson, Terry, and his furry family member LaTonka.

Raymond is survived by Rae's children (Suzie, Paula, Andrew and Aaron), his children, Bobby Vernoy (Tina, Aethena, Sundown, Velvet, James, Zane), Debra Zelka (Dawn, Jeff, Katie), Larry (Georgia) Miller (Violet), Pam Webster (Nathan), Patti (Mike) Webster (Kayla, Michael, Patryk), Sean (Lisa) Zelka (Riley) and several great grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, brother, Tom Zelka, sister-in-law, Marilyn Zelka, numerous nieces and nephews, and life-long friends round out Raymond’s loving extended family.

A heartfelt "Thank-you" to the Fort Smith community and numerous friends of the family for their love and care to our family during this difficult time. We would also like to give a special “Thank You” to the entire team at Bighorn Hospital.  Daddy was loved and received the BEST care ever from all of you.  We are blessed to have had you with us for our dad’s final journey.

Pam – Thank you for the care and love you gave to Daddy these past 13 years.    We know that is why he lived to be 95.

We love you, Dad!

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. June 14, 2024 St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hardin. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 710 N Custer Ave Hardin, MT.   Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery. Bullis Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or the Bighorn County Historical Museum in Hardin, MT 59034.

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