Republic – Raymond E. Nyback, age 74, of 208 Hemlock St., Republic, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at his home in Republic. Ray was born July 26, 1938 in Republic, MI the son of the late Eino and R. Lillian (Kotaniemi) Nyback. He was a graduate of the Republic High School. Ray went on to serve in the United States Navy from Aug. 1958 – Aug 1962. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy he returned to Republic, becoming an Electrician with C.C.I. Ray had worked at the Republic Mine until its closure in 1981 at which time he transferred to the Empire Mine from which he retired from in 1995. He was a member of the United Steelworkers of America, Local #4950. Ray was an active member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic. He loved time spent fishing, especially on Lake Superior, and also enjoyed hunting or at least being in the woods. He always looked forward to his visits to Las Vegas. Survivors include his companion Jennie Smith of Ishpeming Twp., 2 sisters – Elaine Hartman and Mae Lamond both of Republic, a brother Ronald Nyback of Humboldt Twp., along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters – Lorraine Rominiecki, Judith Mattson, Ruth Fischer, Lois Kayser, June Ahtonen and infant sister Dorothy Nyback and a brother Reino Nyback. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10-11am on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Republic. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am on Tuesday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate. Burial at Sea will take place via the United States Navy. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services on Tuesday. Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ray's memory. The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be heard by clicking here.