Raymond Lee Zanto

Raymond Lee Zanto was born January 13, 1935, in Washburn, WI to Clarence and Stella (Badura) Zanto. During his time in Washburn, he met his best friend of 82 years, Phil Doucette.  

He graduated from Washburn High School in 1953. Enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for 5 years as an enlisted member. After being honorably discharged he moved to Menasha where he met and married the love of his life, Charleen (Krablean) Zanto. They were wed on May 2, 1959. 

He had many accomplishments including graduating from St. Luke’s School of nursing in 1963. After graduating Raymond, he received a direct placement as an officer in the Army. In 1967 he graduated as a nurse anesthetist from Fitzsimmons Army Hospital. Obtained his Bachelor of Science, Nursing Degree from Drury College in 1972. 

Retiring after 20 years as a Major in the Army Nursing Corps at Fort Dix NJ. 

After his retirement he moved his family back to Menasha where Ray worked at Winnebago State Hospital until his retirement in 1995.  

He was an avid reader and enjoyed square dancing in his spare time.  

Ray is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Charleen Zanto, 3 wonderful children and their spouses, Edward (Denise) Zanto, Bonnie (Dean) Haack, and Sherry (Rick) Brunette, 5 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Joan Doucette, and many nephews and nieces. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in-law, brothers, Richard and James, sisters, Betty and Lorraine, and his best friend, Phil. 

Visitation will be held at Peace Lutheran Church (1228 S. Park Ave, Neenah, WI) on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 12:30 pm until the Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm. 

The family would like to thank Thedacare, VA Social Workers, Thedacare Hospice, and the Meadowbrook Staff. 

Family respectfully wishes no flowers to be sent.