Raymond M. Szymanski

Raymond M. Szymanski 76, 1014 Hillside Drive, Marathon, died Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at his home. He was born August 25, 1927 in the town of Cassel, son of the late Anton Sr. and Cecelia (Kalamajka) Szymanski. On June 2, 1951, he married Irene Czech at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. She survives. Raymond was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. Ray received his Bachelor's Degree at CSTC in Stevens Point, then taught and coached in Scandinavia and Abbotsford before receiving his Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota. Ray was then an administrator in the Abbotsford and Thorp school districts before becoming an education director in Tomah, and then a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout until his retirement in 1989. Among his favorite things to do were golfing, listening to polka music and sports. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Besides his wife, Irene, Marathon, survivors include five sons, Gary (Jane) Szymanski, Black River Falls; Randy (PatiLee) Szymanski, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; Greg (Lori) Szymanski, Marathon; Dan Szymanski, Emerald and David (Audrey) Szymanski, Merrill; one daughter, Mary (Michael) Larson, Clear Lake; 14 grandchildren; four brothers, Alex (Theresa) Szymanski, Marathon, Frank (Alvina) Szymanski, Milwaukee, Edwin (Lydia) Szymanski, Wausau and Wallace (Bernice) Szymanski, Marathon; two sisters-in-law, Alvina Szymanski and Elsie Szymanski both of Marathon. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Wieloch and Clara Lepak; three brothers, Anton Jr. "Tony", Stanley and Joseph Szymanski. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Noon on Friday, January 16, 2004 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. Friday until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary School, Marathon. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com