Andrew John Ray

Madison-Andrew J. Ray, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at the Nazareth Health & Rehab Center, Stoughton. He was born on November 25, 1927 in Wonewoc, WI the son of Andrew & Anna (Faber) Ray. Andrew was united in marriage with Dona Balke on October 18, 1952 in Madison. He has been a resident of Madison since 1940 and prior to that lived in Wonewoc. He served his country first in the Naval Air Corp at the end of WW II and then served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. Andrew was employed with the city of Madison as an auto body repair technician for 25 years retiring in 1990. His lifelong passion was aviation. He owned and piloted his own plane for over 30 years and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen (Q.B.), a group of private pilots that required a person to have 500 hours of solo flight before you could become a member. He also was a member of Bashford United Methodist Church, Madison and the Independent Order of Foresters. Andrew was noted for being a ""handyman"". He could fix anything and if he didn't know how he'd read up on the subject and then tackle the project. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dona of Madison; his sons, Donald Ray and David Ray both of Madison; his daughters, Terri Ray of Oakland, CA and Barbara Calderon of Denver, CO. his grandchildren, Kelli Ray, Emily Zumski-Ray and Logan Calderon; his brothers, James Ray, Muscoda and Raymond Ray Madison; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ann Ellen Dehaven and sisters-in-law, Shirley Ray and Beverly Ray. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Bashford United Methodist Church, 329 North St., Madison with Rev. Fran Deaner officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens, Madison

 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3325 E. Washington Ave

Madison, WI

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