Raymond C. Rajek

Raymond C. Rajek 84, Marathon, passed away Saturday June 13, 2009 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Hospice House in Wausau. He was born on October 18, 1924 in Marathon, the son of the late Paul and Christina (Sulzer) Rajek. He grew up in Marathon and graduated from Marathon High School. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served with the 20th Air Force, 58th Bomb Wing, 468th Bomb Group, 793rd Squadron, as a Aerial Gunner on a B-29 Superfortress during WWII achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. On June 5, 1948 he married Angeline Lang at St. John Catholic Church in Edgar. Ray owned and operated the Marathon Elevator with his two brothers Alfred and Harry until 1984. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 469 for 65 years and a member of the Legion Firing Squad. Ray was a 35 year member of the Marathon Volunteer Fire Department, a lifelong member and volunteer at St. Mary's Parish in Marathon, a member of St. Leo's Court No. 795 Catholic Order of Foresters, and a member of the Holy Name Society. In his lifetime, Ray liked taking trips with his family, going to the Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer games. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, golfing, watching NASCAR races, and listening to polka music. Survivors include his wife Angeline; five sons, Kenneth (Mary) Rajek, Rothschild; Robert (Louise) Rajek, Wausau; David (Mary) Rajek, Marathon; William (Lisa) Rajek, Wausau; Michael Rajek, Weston; two daughters, Susan Robl, West Bend; Sally Rajek, Marathon. 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by three sisters; Loretta Ritz, Marion Butalla, and Lillian Utecht; two brothers, Alfred and Harry Rajek; one son-in-law, Kenneth Robl. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Dan Crosby will preside. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Thursday all at the church. An American Legion service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon, where full military honors will be conducted by members of American Legion Post No. 469. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon; St. Anthony's Retreat Center, Marathon; and Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their kind and compassionate care of their husband, father, and grandfather.