Stephen Raynoha

MADISON- Stephen Raynoha, age 90, of Madison, died peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013. He was born in 1923 to Frank and Justina Debnar Raynoha in Madison. He attended St. Bernard grade school and East High School, graduating in 1941. Stephen served during World War II in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific arena. Upon discharge from the service in 1946, he attended the University of Wisconsin. In 1947, he married Mary Ann Crase at St. Patrick’s Church. Together they lived in the Burr Oak area of Madison for over 60 years and raised one son and seven daughters who survive him: Paul (Irene) Raynoha of Gilbert, Ariz., Joni (Richard) Dye of Madison, J. Mary (Donald) McLaughlin of Macungie, Pa, Elizabeth (David) Walbridge of Kent Wash., Catherine Allhands (James Allhands) of Madison, Jane (Ken) Maule of Madison, Clare (Mark) Soden of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Margaret (Curtis) Milstein of Salida, Colo. Stephen is also survived by 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, each one of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Peggy Raynoha of San Diego, Calif., Marcy (Elroy) Croissant of Sheboygan and Mary Crase of DeForest. He joins in eternal life a great-grandchild, Katelyn Rose Milstein; his brothers, Martin and John Raynoha; and his sisters, Hermina Zimmerman, Appolonia Gorman, Sister Mary Raynoha and Ann Reuss. Stephen worked for Gisholt Machine Company until 1971 and Bell Telephone (Ameritech, AT&T) until he retired in 1986. He was a member of St. James Catholic Church (now Good Shepherd Parish). Stephen gifted his family with a love for a variety of music and performed numerous impromptu family requests for “K-K-K-Katie” on his harmonica. He enjoyed Mozart and Beethoven, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and a good march, polka or show tunes. Stephen will always be remembered by family and friends for his humor and generosity, his ever ready story about his youth and his keen sense of absurdity. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT THE ST JOSEPH CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, at 1 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, with Monsignor Thomas Baxter presiding. Inurnment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will take place at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME 2950 Chapel Valley Rd, Fitchburg from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. We will then process to church for the mass. Memorials may be made in Stephen’s name to Good Shepherd Catholic Parish. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. The family wishes to thank the staff at Agrace HospiceCare for all the care they gave to Stephen. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002