Ray Czerwinski, Sr. was born to eternal life on October 6, 2015. He was 93 years old. He was born on August 16, 1922 to the late Laura (nee Bartlett) and Stanley Czerwinski. Ray was a lifelong resident of Oconomowoc and was the loving and devotes husband of the late Bernice "Puddy" (nee James) Czerwinski for 59 years; they were married on October 13, 1946.
In 1942, Ray attended UW-Whitewater for one year and was then called up into active service in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country 26 months overseas during WWII with the 36th Divsion. Upon his Separation from the Army in 1945, Ray had received: a Victory Medal; European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 1 Silver Battle Star; Bronze Service Arrowhead; 4 Overseas Service Bars; 1 Service Stripe and a Bronze Star Medal.
Ray owned and operated "Ray's Disposal Service" for 21 years. After he sold the business he was employed by the City of Oconomowoc Parks Dept. for 20 years before he retired. He also was employed part-time with Bonded Spirits for 29 years until he retired from there.
Ray was a member of the VFW, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Our Savior's Lutheran Church since 1946. Ray truly loved all sports but especially dear to him was his Green Bay Packers.
Ray was a very special man and friend to so many people. He will be remembered as a person who almost never forgot a name and just loved to interact with people. Ray was a regular visitor at Shorehaven Health and Rehab. Facility for many years and was almost always seen there with his most beloved canine friend, Bailey.
He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cheryl (Robert) Lurvey of Oconomowoc, his son James Ray Czerwinski of Inverness, FL., his daughter in law, Sherry (Mike) Taylor of Inverness, Fl. and his brother in law, Scott (Polly) James of Oconomowoc; loving grandpa of Clint Czerwinski, Luke (Brandi) Czerwinski, Susan Czerwinski, all from Florida and Jill (Patrick) Kuriewicz of Green Bay, WI; proud Great-grandfather of Logan Ray, Jacob, Michael Raymond, Dylan, Abigail, Morgan, Lucy Rae and Leah; his niece, Jenny Diderrich of Oconomowoc; the family of his brother Lester "Babbit" Czerwinski, the family of Mary and the late Earl Whelan; and numerous other relatives and friends including Pat and Charlotte Froemming; Don and Jean Popp and Bonnie and Jeff Metzger.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Puddy in 2005; his beloved son Ray Jr. in 2000.
Friends may visit on Tuesday October 13, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday October 14, 2015 at 11:00 am at the church. Burial to follow at Glenview Memorial Gardens, Ixonia.
The family requests memorial to Our Savior's Lutheran Church (145 E. Lisbon Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066; Wildlife in need, W349 S1480 S. Waterville Rd Suite B. Oconomowoc 53066; or Waukesha Humane Society (HAWS) 701 Northview Rd. Waukesha, WI. 53188 would be greatly appreciated.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff of Shorehaven and Vitas for their care and compassion for Ray. You are all very special people.
