Raymond Karlis Stelmachers, age 83 of Cleveland, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2019.
Mr. Stelmachers was born on August 5, 1936, in Riga, Latvia, to the late Karlis and Tonija Stelmachers. The Stelmachers family arrived in America at the New York Harbor in December of 1951. Raymond was 15 years old at the time. Karlis Stelmachers loved the movie “Gone with the Wind” and this prompted the move to Georgia. Raymond then graduated from O’Keefe High School in 1955 and married Dorothy Thomas the year after in 1956. Raymond became a citizen of the United States in 1973. This is a perfect example of how displaced people from other countries can have hope and a new beginning coming to America.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Stelmachers, Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Theresa Stelmachers; daughter, Lynda Fulton; grandchildren, Brandon Fulton (Amanda), Stacey Fulton, Ryan Stelmachers (Briana), Alexander Stelmachers; great-grandchildren, Piper Fulton, Harrison Stelmachers, Sean Fulton, and Kaydence Fulton; and brother, Ivars Stelmachers.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 12, 2019 at the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Rev. Kevin Woody, the Rev. Dave Fortner, and Deacon William McCarthy will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. View Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. View Baptist Church – P.O. Box 2615, Cleveland, GA 30528.
To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland.
