Raymond Norbert Dederich, age 64, of rural Bear Valley, died peacefully at his home on April 5th after a long illness. He was born on July 19th, 1947 in Richland Center, WI; the son of Leo and Margaret (McCluskey) Dederich. When Raymond was 4 months old, his parents bought the farm that remained his home until the end. He attended Madonna Catholic School in Keysville for grades 1-8 and spent his freshman year of high school at Ithaca. However, he finished high school at the newly built River Valley High School in 1965. From 1966-1968, Raymond served as a cook in the U.S. Army’s 67th Aviation Company. Although he was stationed in Germany for the majority of his service, he saw most all of Western Europe. After returning home from the service he began working as a mason for Wild Masonry and later for KBI. Recovering from a back injury, Raymond began to aid his father in operating the family farm. In 1976 he met Sharon Larsen and soon after, they were married (October 23, 1976). Raymond purchased the farm from his dad in 1980 and embarked on the adventure of creating his own family. He started working at Pace Ind. in 1995 and did so until his retirement in 2011. Raymond enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing. He shared his love of these hobbies with many brothers, cousins, friends, nephews, sons, and grandson. Raymond worked hard (in front of the boss) and thoroughly enjoyed life otherwise. He answered to many nicknames including Snapper, Snoopy, and Mr. Bear Valley. He is survived by 3 sons: Jack, Jed, and Jake; 1 daughter: Jody (Derek) Brown and their mother Sharon. 1 grandchild: Andre Brown. 2 brothers: Leroy (Linda) Dederich of Madison and Donald (Kathy) Dederich of Reedsburg. 1 sister: Patricia (Jack) Schweitzer of Spring Green. 1 brother-in-law: Bill Emer of Plain and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Cele Ann Emer. He has many great friends that stood by his side throughout his final days. Raymond will be greatly missed by all. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Loreto Ridge. Fr. Loren Bowens will officiate with burial in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Plain American Legion Post #398. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the church from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. and again on Wednesday at church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of Mass. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com. The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home of Spring Green is assisting the family with the arrangements.