Raymond F. McSorley

Age 77, passed away at his home on Sunday, May 1, 2005. Ray was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on Christmas Day of 1927, son of the late Raymond and Olive (Pettis) McSorley. In 1945, he graduated from High School and promptly entered the United States Navy and served near the end of World War II. In April of 1948, Ray married the former Ila Jean Steuding in Altoona, Wisconsin; she survives. In 1950, Ray re-entered the United States Navy, this time serving during the Korean Conflict. He received his discharge in 1952 and began work for the Eau Claire Fire Department where he was employed for a time. From 1967 until 1975, Ray owned and operated Mac’s Camping Center in Kimberly. In addition, Ray was also employed by the Kimberly School District as the superintendent of building and grounds. Ray also worked as a pipe fitter by the Kimberly Clark Corporation for seventeen years, retiring in 1990. Ray enjoyed attending auctions and sales looking for antique furniture which he took great pride in repairing and refinishing. He was also an avid deer hunter, and enjoyed sports of all kinds. His family was near and dear to his heart, and spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a favorite pastime.

Ray is survived by his wife: Ila Jean “Dee” McSorley of Little Chute; six children: Jeff (Mary) McSorley of Appleton; Randy (Lori) McSorley of Kaukauna; Kevin (Cheryl) Little Chute; Jill (Dave) Hanson of Symco; Pam McSorley of Kaukauna; Kelly McSorley of Winthrop, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren: Nicole (Steve) Leitermann and their children Eli and Aubree; Ryan (Jenny) McSorley and their son Dustin; Molly McSorley; Andrew McSorley; Peggy Sue McSorley; Bobbi (John) Hicken and their children Bryce and Allison; Scott (Jill Deimel) Hanson and children Alexis, Madison, and Jaylene; and Noelle McSorley. Ray is also survived by nine brothers and sisters: William (Lila) McSorley of Eau Claire; Kathleen (Art) Lanman of Bloomington, Minnesota: Larry (Jeanette) McSorley of Eau Claire; Virginia Rudd of Riverside, California; Arthur (Diane) McSorley of Phoenix, Arizona; Jeanne (Terry) Bartle of Eau Claire; Jan (Walter) Legge of Eau Claire; Dennis (Nancy) McSorley of Eau Claire; and Deanna (Jim) McDonald of Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Other survivors include Ila’s brothers and sisters: Charles (Beverly) Steuding; John (Betty) Steuding; Jim Steuding of Altoona; and Kathleen Wagner all of Altoona; and Patsy Kiefus of Sommerfield, Florida; a brother-in-law Russ Thompson of Phoenix; a sister-in-law Betty McSorley of Zapata, California, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Patricia Barnum Thompson, a brother Jerome McSorley, brothers-in-law Bob Rudd , Tony Wagner, and Jack Kiefus.

The memorial funeral liturgy for Ray will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, May 5, 2005 at ST. ALOYSUIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2401 Main Avenue in Kaukauna with Fr. David Schmidt officiating. Military rites will follow the liturgy at the church. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and again at the church on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the hour of the service. There will be a parish prayer and scripture service at 6:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all of the wonderful people at Appleton Medical Center. Special among them are Dave, Bill, and Grace from Respiratory Therapy and the nursing staffs from 2nd Floor South and 4th Floor North. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Ila would also like to thank their dear family friends Al and Judy Leicht for their many visits, kind thoughts, and companionship.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202