Raymond George Wakeen

Raymond George Wakeen, age 83, died on November 27, 2014 at Gundersen Health System surrounded by his family. Ray was born in La Crosse, WI on May 23, 1931 to Abraham and Sylvia (Kouri) Wakeen. He attended St. James Catholic Grade School and graduated from Aquinas High School in 1949. He attended La Crosse State, University of WI-Madison, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He served in the Marine Corp during the Korean conflict. Ray was employed as an Engineer at Allis-Chalmers for 22 years, NCR for 9-1/2 years, and Trane Company for 15 years. Ray enjoyed taking aerial photos early in his life, was an avid Amateur Radio operator, and loved cooking Lebanese foods. His joy in life came from spending time with his only grandchildren, Carter and MacKenzie.

Ray and Nancy Ragner were married on April 12, 1969 at St. James Catholic Church. They had one daughter, Lisa Rae. Nancy preceded him in death on March 25, 2002. Ray and Lois (Meier) Walsh were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on February 14, 2004.

Ray is survived by; his wife Lois; daughter Lisa (Brian) Caya; grandchildren Carter and MacKenzie Caya; brother Robert (Ruth) Wakeen; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his first wife Nancy he was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Wakeen, and sister Lucille Sacia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 1st, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 4:30 – 7:30 PM at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crosse, and at the church on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of services. Memorials may be given to the Coulee Region Humane Society.