Service Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Mausoleum. Visitation will be in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday from 4-7 pm (There will not be visitation at church on Saturday morning). You may witness the service livestream on Saturday at 10:30 am by visiting the web link of https://youtu.be/cMv1dARwOwo. You may also view the memorial video slideshow on the funeral home website beginning on Friday afternoon. In memory of Ray, memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living have been suggested.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Ray, memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living have been suggested.
Racine – Raymond George Feest, age 84, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully in his recliner at home, on Saturday, July 25, 2020.
A lifetime resident of Racine, Ray was born in Racine on August 27, 1935 to the late Oswald and Mary (nee: Henkes) Feest. After his father passing when Ray was three and mother in his sophomore year of high school, his older brother Charles took over in raising their family. Ray graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1953 and on July 17, 1954, he was united in marriage with his childhood sweetheart, Janet Mary (nee: Ahnen) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Racine. While raising seven children, Ray went on to earn his accounting from Dominican College and an MBA from Marquette University and Tax & Law studies. Ray served our community for over 56 years as a well-respected CPA, establishing many lifetime friendships with clients. In addition to operating his accounting firm, Ray taught accounting at Dominican College, UW-Parkside & UW-Whitewater.
Ray had been a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church & St. Rita Catholic Church, serving as trustee & was an involved member of the finance committees and parish councils. He also served as a board member of Siena Center and St. Monica’s Senior Living. Many years ago, Ray & Janet fulfilled their dream of purchasing a farm to raise their family. They loved their hobby farm, where they sheltered a collection of stray and abandoned animals over the years. The Humane Society had kept Janet on speed dial in those days. Ray & Janet loved their farm…and so did their entire family. Ray enjoyed camping and lazy Sunday afternoon Packer games.
Surviving are his loving wife of over 66 years, Janet; their children, Michael (Mary Ellen) Feest, Marge Falendysz (Richard Arendt), Dan (Sheila) Feest, Joe (Kate) Feest, Nancy Feest and Andy (Diane) Feest; son-in-law, Kenneth Olley; grandchildren, Paul (Tasha) Feest, Stephen Feest and Alex (Kelsey) Feest; Elizabeth (Juan) Lopera; John (Melissa) Falendysz; Ryan (Pam), Jason (Mallory), Eric (Paige) & Nick Olley; Christopher Benzow, Augie Feest, Emily Skipper; Helen, Nathan & Genevieve Feest; great-grandchildren, Tiana, Tabitha, Nolan, Sam, Sebastian, Brynlee, Nicole, Carmen (Mike), Kieran, Silas, Ezekiel, Natalie, Hadley, Benjamin, Camden, Brandon & Lucas; brother-in-law, Eugene Ahnen; sisters-in-law, Patricia (James) Becker, Kathy Heinen, Mary Halvorson, Margaret McCutcheon & Beth (Larry) Lindman; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives, clients & friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to his parents, Ray was greeted in Heaven by his son, John Feest; daughters, Theresa Feest & Becky Olley; brothers, Charles (Dorothy), James (Ruth) & Eugene (Gloria) Feest; sister, Phyllis (Jack) Nielsen; sister-in-law, Florence Ahnen; brothers-in-law, John G. (Mary) Ahnen, John “Jack” Heinen & Frank McCutcheon; and by Janet’s parents, of whom Ray loved dearly, John and Genevieve (nee: Williams) Ahnen.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Avenue, at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Mausoleum. Visitation will be in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday from 4-7 pm (There will not be visitation at church on Saturday morning). You may witness the service livestream on Saturday at 10:30 am by visiting the web link of https://youtu.be/cMv1dARwOwo. You may also view the memorial video slideshow on the funeral home website beginning on Friday afternoon. In memory of Ray, memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living have been suggested.
In accordance with Racine County mandate, only 50 people will be allowed to enter the funeral home at a time. You may be required to wait outside until others leave the building. For the safety and security of our guests we also require those in attendance to wear a face covering. We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
PHIL AND CAROL DACENO says
we were so shocked to see we have lost a wonderful accountant and friend. it was always so nice to see all of you on our yearly visit. our deepest sympathy, love and prayers are with all of you at this time.
God Bless !
Adoree Senzig says
Ray was a great guy and took care of my taxes after my husband passed away. Thank you and God bless you.
Dianne and Darrell says
We are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Janet, our prayers are with you and all of the family. Thank you Ray for years of figuring out our crazy taxes, and bringing some laughter through the challenges. We will miss you. Rest in peace.
Jim Michel, Class of '64 says
Sorry for your loss. Mr Feest was a super teacher at Dominican, and helped develop my accounting skills. Thanks for the 40 years of doing what I loved. “When in doubt, deduct” was something I never forgot.
John Fortini says
Dan and family…I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I will pray that your family is comforted.
Tom Westrich says
Janet and family , Ray was the best, at St. Cats we got out of school at 2:15 every day to go work at The Racine – Journal- Times……..What times we all had and Ray was never without that big smile and his good laugh……Rest in peace my good friend ……………..Tom Westrich……. The Villages , Fl.
Pam & John Pelej says
Our hearts are broken. Jan, you and Ray have always had a love for each other that we have envied and a marriage that showed others what a perfect husband and wife partnership is. As John and I reminisce about you and Ray tears are falling certainly, however, Ray has left us with a warm smile and happiness in our hearts. We love you.
Jerome Becker says
I graduated from DC in 1968. Ray was hands down my favorite instructor. In tax class he said to never do anyone’s (even your mother’s) taxes for free. He said people believe free advice is worth what they paid for it.
Mike and Toni Scamarcia says
To our Dear Friend Ray,
We will miss your humor, guidance and friendship. Somewhere in heaven you are putting smiles on peoples faces with your sassiness. God bless you and give you eternal life!
Dr. Robert Mitchell says
For the past 34 years Ray has been an excellent accountant and a good friend. He has provided sage advice regarding financial guidance, as I worked to understand the complexities of operating a small business. I will truly miss not being able to have any future conversations with Ray. To Janet, other family members, and friends, I offer my deepest condolences.
Gloria&Bernie says
With our love,
Jan Wenszell says
Thank you for the photos presentation of Ray together with family and friends. He was always so kind to my mother, inviting her to family gatherings (which she so enjoyed) and helping her with her taxes. May he rest in peace with our Lord.
Perry Oksiuta says
Ray was my teacher,employer ,and friend . He had a great sense of humor and drew me into the field of accounting. He taught me I would never be an accountant but respect the need of a good one. He was mine for almost 50 years. My condolences to the Feest family who have lost a great patriarch.
Gayle (Feest) Anderson says
The words spoken about Uncle Ray at his funeral warmed my heart. I am sure my Dad, (Eugene) and his other brothers and sister who preceded him in death, are welcoming Ray with loving arms.
Chuck Mills says
Jan and family, so sorry to hear of Ray’spassing Ray was a superb teacher and mentor and an even bettter person. I didn’t see him much over the years, but thought of him often. My deepest condolences to the Feest family. Rest In Peace Ray.
Family says
I love you Dad! I amGlad God let me have you as long as he did
Your favorite! says
I love tou Dad!