Raymond J. Auchter

Raymond ‘Ray’ Auchter passed away at his home on March 8th, 2014 in the company of his loving wife and family.

He was born in Jefferson, WI on October 24th, 1928, son of Bernard and Mathilda (nee: Hillebrand) Auchter. Ray graduated from Jefferson High School and studied at the Layton School of Art. On August 4, 1951 he was united in marriage to Patricia Geraghty. He worked at an advertising agency in Milwaukee before entering the Army serving during the Korean War. After his discharge from the service he began a 38 year career with Western Publishing in Racine where he filled many roles starting as a litho artist and ending as manager of litho art services. He was also an accomplished artist, craftsman, builder, golfer, chef and gardener.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, his five children David, Peter, Joseph (Nancy), John (Amy) and Maude (Dave) Mau, a brother, Clarence and two sisters, Helen Petersburs and Loretta (Ray) Hernday. His 10 grandchildren Rachel, Ben, Liz, Neal, Mary, Katy, Alley, Adam, Sydney, Abbey and 3 great-grandchildren, Austin, Jacob and Dax were very dear to him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Sommers.

Ray loved life. Whether at the golf course, the beach, camping, tending to his gardens, roasting corn on the grill or appreciating a sunset, he was able to enjoy fully the “simple” things. His favorite activity was being with his family. He will be sadly missed but very well remembered.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, March 13th, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Relatives and friends may visit at the church Thursday at 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. Private interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, Hwy 31.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mullane and Hospice Alliance for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.