Raymond Edwin Winarski, age 93, of Potter, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family. Ray was born on June 21, 1921 in Stevens Point, son of the late Stanley and Gertrude (Lutz) Winarski. Faith and family were Ray's guiding influences. He was a graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School, class of 1940 and enrolled for one semester at Stevens Point Teachers College before enlisting on his 21 birthday in the United States Army. He served our country in the Air Corp during WWII, in England, from 1942-1945. Then, through support from the GI Bill, he graduated from Whitewater Teachers College in 1952 with a degree in Business Education. While attending Whitewater, he met Beverley Wendorf. On August 15, 1950, he married Beverley at Zion Lutheran Church in Sharon, WI. Upon college graduation, the couple moved to Bruce, Wisconsin where he was a teacher, then principal for four years, later serving as school board clerk. While in Bruce, he left teaching and started a 30 year career in banking. Before retirement, he was the Executive Vice President of Farmers State Bank in Potter, F & M Bank in Hilbert, and earlier a director at the Bank of Jackson. Ray was active in church activities and community affairs throughout his life. Most recently, he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul, serving for a time as the treasurer. In previous years he had served as a Boy Scout leader in Stevens Point and Bruce, WI, and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Auburndale, serving as treasurer. He also served as chairman of the school board in Auburndale, was a charter member of the Auburndale Lion's Club, and a founding member and one of the first Fire Chief's of the Auburndale Volunteer Fire Department. In his later years, Ray suffered from Meniere's Disease and his ability to hear was substantially impaired. Ray is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beverley of Potter; their children and spouses: Stan and Mary Kay (DeGroot) of Germantown, Nancy and Duane Beszhak of Madison; four grandchildren: Dr. Becca and Peter Winarski, and Alexander and Andrew Beszhak; in laws: Anita Zabel, Doris (George) Ferger, and Jesse Wendorf; one brother: Norbert Winarski; one sister and brother-in-law: Sylvia (Laban) Miller; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws: Elmer (Evelyn) Wendorf, Willard (Marjorie) Wendorf, Ken Wendorf, Arnold Zabel; siblings: Jeanette (Dr. Sidney) Nelson, Grace (Dr. Max) Ward, Margaret (Stan) Witkowski, and George (Patricia) Winarski; and other relatives. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. John Kelling. The Auburndale Fire Department will provide the Honor Guard. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Rantoul. Friends may call at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial appreciated to ThedaCare at Home or Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul in Ray's name. Ray's family would like to extend a special thank you to the ThedaCare at Home staff. Without them, Ray would not have been able to be at home for his final days. Also, the family would like to thank all of the family, friends, and neighbors for their loving act of care and generosity not only shown to Ray, but to Bev and the rest of the family as well.
