Ray Shunk

Long-time Madison resident, Raphael “Ray” Shunk lost his battle with COVID on August 31, 2021.

Born in Madison to LaVern and Lorraine Shunk, Ray lived in the “Bush,” attended St. Raphael Grade School and Edgewood High School. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown from 1956 to 1958.

After he returned from military service, Ray married Frances Hauptmann on September 12, 1959.

He was a charter member of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison. He worked for WPS for 27 years, retiring in 1999.

The consummate volunteer, Ray was a coach, referee, and umpire. He spent his retirement years helping and supporting many organizations in the Madison area: The Madison Area Independent School League (MAISL), the St. James Athletic Association, the Madison School Community Recreation Association; St. Maria Goretti Athletic Association (50 years); the PGA, WIAA, and Boys and Girls golf tournaments; Toys for Tots; Taste of Madison; the Madison Ironman; Fishing Has No Boundaries; The Midwest Horse Show; and weekly at the Henry Vilas Zoo.

Ray was awarded The St. Maria Goretti Cardinal Award for Outstanding Commitment to the SMG Athletic Program (1967-2006). He was also honored by other organizations including the Parochial Sports League (head basketball coach at St. Maria Goretti for 15 years) and by having a tournament named for him: “The Ray Shunk Classic Basketball Tournament.”

Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus #4527 in Madison.

A par golfer, Ray loved the game. He golfed with friends several times a week, not letting surgeries through the years stop him. He also hunted deer with friends – especially Dick Borchardt and his son Rickie, at their place in Westfield, Wisconsin.

Ray is survived by Frances, his beloved wife of 62 years; children Sally (Don) Young, Galveston, Indiana; Steven Shunk, Yucaipa, California; Mary (John) Wichern, Fitchburg, Wisconsin; and six grandchildren: Payton, Nathan, Mason, and Hannah Young, Indiana; Jackson and Luke Wichern, Fitchburg; brother Jim of Madison; sister Sharon Heide, Mountain Lake, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Barbara (Doug) Shackelton, Riverside, California; and Colette (Roger) Acker, Louisvile, Kentucky.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, John and Veronica Hauptmann, a brother Robert (Barbara), brothers-in-law Roger Acker and Doug Shackelton, sister-in-law Carol (Seitz) Shunk, brother-in-law Harold Heide.

Recognized throughout Madison by his full head of gray hair, Ray will be remembered for his friendliness and helpfulness by his extended family, by the coaches and players in area basketball and softball leagues, and by his many friends in the Madison area.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI 53711 at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 8, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. (Masks required.)

Inurnment will be private at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate in Ray’s memory, please consider St. James School, 1204 St James Ct, Madison, WI 53715 or Lewis Cass High School Athletic Training Program, 6422 East St. Rd. 218, Walton, IN 46994.