Raymond T. Laufenberg
MIDDLETON–Raymond T. Laufenberg, 89, of Middleton, passed away on Sept. 23, 2022, after a battle with kidney disease. He was born on Aug. 26, 1933, in Madison, the first of Casper and Lydia (Schroeder) Laufenberg’s 12 children.
Ray graduated from Edgewood High School in 1953 and served in the US Army during the Korean conflict. As a teenager, Ray started working at Wolff Kubly, where he stayed for many years and honed the ‘fix-it’ skills that would serve him–and the countless friends and relatives he helped–throughout his lifetime. He employed those same skills as the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for the Sun Prairie School District for 17 years. Ray built a successful rental business and was beloved as a caring and responsible landlord who took a special interest in the lives of his tenants. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 245 in Middleton and the Knights of Columbus in Sun Prairie. Ray was a consummate helper to anyone who needed it, exemplified by his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, rebuilding homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, and 20 years with St. Mary’s Hospital.
Ray married Lorraine Hendrix on May 10, 1958, and they were blessed with a daughter, Lynne. Following Lorraine’s passing, Ray reconnected with Madeline Pelletter-Thiel at a high school reunion, and they married on June 9, 1991.
Ray was an avid car enthusiast, who owned and restored many unique vehicles. He especially loved his ’68 Camaro.
Ray is survived by his wife, Madeline; daughter, Lynne Hendee; grandchildren, Jenna, Tyler, and Kyle Hendee; stepchildren, Jill (Karl) Markgraf and Rick (Carolyn) Thiel; step-grandchildren, Casey (Patrick McIlhone) Mysliwy, Joseph Mysliwy, Karl Markgraf, and Alida (Carston Zacharias) Markgraf; siblings, Beverly Gilardi, Beatrice Rauls, Margaret Day, Marilyn Zeman, Vicki (Jim) Draper, Rose (Jerry) Pasdo, Patti (Tom) Breister, Dan (Connie) Laufenberg, David Laufenberg and Mary (Gary) Kelsey; brother-in-law, John (Rose) Pelletter; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Walt) Brouner, Luella (Jim) Mooney, and Vicky Pelletter; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Laufenberg; parents, Casper and Lydia Laufenberg; sister, Merita (Russ) Melland; stepchildren, Julie Mysliwy and Christopher Thiel; and brothers-in-law, Bill Gilardi, Fritz Rauls, Dennis Day, Bob Heibel, Zeke Zeman, and Joe and Tony Pelletter.
Visitation was held at Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Care, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2022, and also at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial follows at 11:30 a.m., with Fr. Brian Wilk presiding, with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Bernard’s Parish Center Renovation fund, the Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM), or Habitat for Humanity.
The family thanks Jody and Hannah of Agrace and the Homestead staff for their compassionate care. Enjoy a triple martini (or a Pepsi) with the angels until we meet again, dear Ray.
Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.
