Raymond F. Vesely, age 97, a lifelong resident of Manitowoc, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024. With his passing, a little hole opened in the universe – a testament to the immense impact Ray had on the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Ray was born on August 17, 1927 in Manitowoc to the late Adolph and Anna (Duchan) Vesely. He attended grade school at Holy Innocents and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1945. Ray volunteered to help in the construction of submarines while in high school, enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation, and served our country during the last year of World War II. Ray was known to jokingly state that Hitler ended the war because he knew Ray was coming! On June 17, 1950, Ray married Adeline Schram at Holy Innocents Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Ray and Adeline raised a family and enjoyed life as a couple for 64 years. She preceded him in death on February 8, 2014.
After his military service, he went to a watch repair school in Los Angeles and returned to Manitowoc where he had worked at Boelter’s Jewelers. Ray then transitioned to repairing watches at home while working at the Manitowoc County Highway Department from 1950 until his retirement in 1989. During his working years, and in retirement, he enjoyed Wisconsin’s plentiful water and woods. He would either be out on his boat fishing, or walking in the woods hunting or looking for big trees. Ray was blessed to enjoy more than 25 years fishing on Lake Michigan, and many deer and turkey hunts with his sons and grandson. In 1989, Ray joined Adeline in assuming ownership of The Downrigger Bar. They ran the bar together until its sale in 2002. While Ray will always be remembered for his many acts of kindness and generosity, one way he consistently expressed those traits was by always having a bowl of Snicker bars available for the staffs of Laurel Grove Assisted Living and Shady Lane Nursing Care Center. He also had a saying that he found brought a smile to others when he would crack the first beer of the day and say, “This makes it all worthwhile!” He was aptly named by his parents. Ray’s amiable and considerate nature brought a “ray of sunshine” into the lives of those lucky enough to meet him. As husband, father, friend, colleague, bartender or boss, he always had a good word to say and treated all within his sphere with respect and dignity. Even strangers received the warmth of his welcome.
Among those who will miss Ray’s happy demeanor are his three surviving sons, Allan (Rebecca) Vesely, San Rafiel, NM; Kenneth (Mary) Vesely, Manitowoc, WI; and Randall (Elissa) Vesely, Crystal Falls, MI; four grandchildren, Karly (Andy) Lenart, Coeur d’Alene, ID; Kyle (Aria) Vesely, Sandpoint, ID; Acacia (Brian) Gardner, Grants, NM; and Samantha (John) Hafner, Manitowoc; great granddaughter, Chloe Hafner, Manitowoc; daughter-in-law, Jean Vesely; also other relatives and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Anna Vesely; wife, Adeline; two brothers, Eugene and Lawrence; and son, Steven.
Memorial services will be held at Noon on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Immediately following the memorial service, military honors will be accorded by Drews-Bleser American Legion Post 88. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the south property of the funeral home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel, and placement of both Ray and Adeline’s cremated remains will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at Noon. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Ray’s name to Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, 3000 Hawthorne Avenue, Two Rivers, WI 54241.
Ray’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all the staff of Laurel Grove Assisted Living and Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, especially Mickalla, for all of the care, compassion, and friendship they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
