Service Details
Services celebrating Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 4:00 pm in First Evangelical Free Church, 2401 Ohio Street, with Rev. John Bodnar officiating. A memorial dinner will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers (family member allergic to flowers), memorials to First Evangelicval Free Church have been suggested.
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Racine – Raymond “Ray” Rohleder, age 87, passed away peacefully at The Woods of Caledonia on Sunday, August 20, 2023 following a three-year struggle with dementia.
Raymond was born in Kimball, Kansas on July 11, 1936 to the late John and Margaret (nee: Rohleder) Rohleder. The family moved to Racine when Ray was 5 years old. After attending St. Catherine’s High School and Racine Vocational School, he worked for Massey-Ferguson, Omar Bakery, Progressive Dairy, Holsum Bakery (28 years) and retired from Lee’s Hardware at age 82 after 21 years of service.
On December 1, 1956 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ray was united in marriage with the love of his life, Annabelle R. (nee: Dexter). They are faithful members of First Evangelical Free Church, where Ray served as a lead usher and volunteering in many capacities. Outside of work & church, Ray enjoyed woodworking, fixing motors, bowling, yardwork, and going for long walks around the neighborhood.
Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Annabelle; their children, Allen (Tina) Rohleder, Pamela Ramirez, Raymond (Rita) Rohleder, Margaret (Michael) Kemen, Ronda (Donald) Willette and Thomas (Vicki) Rohleder; was greatly blessed with 14 grandchildren, Katie Owen (Bradley), Jason Rohleder (Eun hee), Peter Baggesen (Kristen), Aurora Mitchell (Ross), April Rohleder, Nena Huckaby (Skyler), Stephanie Kemen, Michael Kemen (Sunni), Joshua Robinson (Lauren), Sarah Ottman (Jared), Amanda Compton (Crystal), Stephanie Kuhn (Brian), Megan Rohleder (Ryan), Cassandra Bateman (Cody) and 23 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Judy) Rohleder; brother-in-law, Thomas (Irene) Dexter; nieces, nephews, other relatives, church family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by sisters, Albina, Lee & Mary; brother, Joseph; and sister-in-law, Jennie.
Services celebrating Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 4:00 pm in First Evangelical Free Church, 2401 Ohio Street, with Rev. John Bodnar officiating. A memorial dinner will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers (family member allergic to flowers), memorials to First Evangelicval Free Church have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of The Woods of Caledonia and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care and support given in Ray’s time of need during the past 2 months. May God bless all of you!
RuthAnn Furloni says
So sorry cannot attend. Have very fond memories of all the fun we had together with our children. My heart goes out to you and your family. All my love.
Lisa carter says
You will always be my ray of sunshine and you will be greatly missed rest easy it was a pleasure getting to know you Mr . Ray
Nan Lentz says
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for all the family. God bless.
Dawn Johnson says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Hugs to Mama Anne and family. Grew up with the family and visited a lot during our school years. Always had a joke or two to tell. Happy go lucky and loved to work on cars with the boys! And oh the fun we had. Share the memories, the fun, the laughter during the sad times to lift your spirits. Wish I knew so I could have attended. Miss the family. Big ginormous, gigantic hugs around the room for each and everyone of you. God Speed Ray!
Willy Thompson says
Sorry for your loss, just saw this, I enjoyed talking to Ray for many years at “Rosies” and later at lees. He was a good guy.