Raymond Murkowski

Raymond Murkowski, 68, R5580 Meridian Road, Poniatowski, died Saturday February 28, 2004 under the care of Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Community Health Care Wausau Hospital. He was born March 3, 1935 in the town of Rietbrock, son of the late Peter and Anna (Nowicki) Murkowski. On June 2, 1956, he married Geraldine Sprenger at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2002. Prior to his retirement, Ray was a lifelong farmer and logger in the town of Rietbrock. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski, serving on their Parish Council and was a Charter Member of the Poniatowski Daredevils Snowmobile Club. Among his favorite things to do were, hunting, fishing, cardplaying, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed traveling in his motorhome, playing slot machines and "the shake of the day". Special to Ray was the time he spent with his children and grandchildren. Survivors include six children, Deb (Jerr) Seubert, Poniatowski and their sons, Josh & Seth; Pam (Rick) Stencil, Edgar and their children, Sara, Steve & Stacey; Randy(Therese) Murkowski, Marathon and their children, Hilary, Adam, Ashleigh & Christian; Brenda (Mike Sessions)Murkowski, Poniatowski, Russ Murkowski, Poniatowski and his children, Heather, Heidi, Breanna & Bret, Richard (Laura) Murkowski, Poniatowski and their children, Bradly, Ryan & Dana; one brother, Roman (Lorraine) Murkowski, Wausau, four sisters, Irene King, Mary Berres, both of Athens, Jane Gantner and Terry (Gerry) Berens, all of Wausau, a brother-in-law, Lawrence Zarling, Abbottsford .Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Eddie, Frank, Tom and Tony Murkowski and sisters, Leona Zarling and Marcella Kramer. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday March 2, 2004 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Poniatowski. Rev Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4 - 8 p.m. Monday at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again from 9:30 a.m. Tuesday until time of services at the church. There will be a parish rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Monday evening at the Athens funeral Home. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Gautum, the staff at the UW Cancer Center, Dr. Weiland, Dr. Stoffel and the entire staff with Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the care given to Ray both at home and in the hospital. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com