Rajandran Rajadurai

On March 8, 2021, Rajandran “Raj” Rajadurai, age 67, dear husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at home surrounded by love and peace. Rajan was born in August of 1953 in Malacca, Malaysia. He went abroad for college graduating from Sheffield City Polytechnic in Sheffield, England with a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, Rajan returned to Malaysia and taught engineering at the Institute of Engineering Technology in Kuala Lumpur. He moved to Wisconsin, USA in 1990, joining some of his family living in Madison. Rajan’s professional career in the U.S. began at Strand Associates in Madison, then Big Joe Manufacturing in Wisconsin Dells before accepting a position as a Project Engineer at Columbia ParCar/Seats Inc. in Reedsburg. He continued working in Reedsburg as the Director of Engineering for Ark Alloy, LLC. His final position was with LSNE - Madison, before retiring in early 2020. During his life, Raj lived on three continents, and was always eager to travel and explore the world. He frequently returned to Malaysia to spend time with family and friends, and he was proud to have American friends accompany him to see the beauty and hospitality of his homeland. Rajan also traveled extensively with his wife. In addition to Malaysia, together the couple made many memories including riding elephants in Chiang Mei, Thailand; visiting temples in Angkor Wat, Cambodia; Hindu temples in Bali, Indonesia, and traveling areas of England. They also enjoyed touring throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest as well visiting various states in the US including CA, AZ, FL. On a memorable trip in July 2019, Rajan escorted a group of Malaysian relatives and friends who were devoted Elvis fans to Graceland in Memphis, TN. In addition to sampling the local cuisine of the places he visited, Rajan came from a line of amazing cooks. His superb cooking, generosity, and love of entertaining family and friends are shared traits among the siblings that were passed down from their mother and father. In fact, among the family, there is always a friendly competition for who is the best cook. This remains inconclusive. He was adventurous in the kitchen and well known for his laksa, chicken rice and satay as well as other Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, and British dishes. He was also a grill master and mixed the tastiest drinks to accompany a meal. Rajan cherished time with his family and friends, going to festivals, socializing, listening to music and dancing. He was always up for a good time. In his younger days, Rajan was a wiz at Carrom and in University enjoyed playing pool and snooker. He loved action movies, particularly martial arts movies, an interest he passed on to his nephews and nieces. Raj closely followed European football leagues and was a huge fan of Manchester United, F.C. Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain. After marrying, his wife converted him to the ways of Wisconsin sports and he became an ardent Packers, Badgers, and Brewers fan. In addition to watching sports, Raj was an avid athlete. He played in badminton all of his life and was in leagues in Malaysia, England and Madison, and he won the doubles bronze medal in the 2011 Wisconsin Badger State Games. He was a lifetime soccer player, and was on the Madison Eagles. Raj also was in a Baraboo racquetball league for some time. In his later years he enjoyed golfing passionately, playing in a league at the Reedsburg Country Club. In retirement, he continued to refine his skills playing many courses in the area with friends. Rajan or “Rajan mama” as he was often called, was well loved by his nephews and nieces and was an involved and guiding presence in their lives. He was strict, yet caring, generous with sharing his time, skills and wisdom with youth. Rajan volunteered as soccer coach for his nephew’s local Madison team and later continued coaching for the Reedsburg boy’s youth league. He was also a patient and encouraging tutor helping his niece, nephews and friend’s children to build confidence their mathematic abilities. Raj was a beloved husband, companion and soulmate, and leaves behind his wife, Phyllis, with whom he enjoyed 24 years of happiness. Rajan was the oldest son of seven and is survived by his siblings: Susila Devi Rajagopal, Ragini Sathasivam, Mehalah Lingam, Mahindran Rajadurai, Vasanthi Rajaduria and Selvarani Rajalingam, as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Parameswari and father, Chelliah Rajadurai. A heartfelt and sincere “thank you” to all of the medical professionals and support staff, friends and family that gave Raj support physically and emotionally during his illness in these tough covid times. Your kindness, care and compassion will never be forgotten. Private services will be held with cremation to follow. Memorials in Raj’s name may be made to UW Children’s Hospital (www.uwhealthkids.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420