Ray J. Riordan, Jr.

MADISON - Ray J. Riordan Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born on Sept. 25, 1943, in Yukon, Okla. He grew up in Madison, Wis., where he enjoyed playing football and baseball and acted in school musicals. Called “Joe” in his younger years, he was known to host the best parties in the neighborhood, even as party-goers adhered to his mother’s strict rules of the house. He often invited his friends over to play cards and ascended to grandmaster level bridge player. Ray earned his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and went on to earn his law degree from UW- Madison. Ray served as assistant district attorney and assistant corporation counsel for Green Lake County from 1968-1969. From 1969 - 1979, he was a partner at the Riordan and Sorenson Law Offices in Ripon, Wis.

Ray was born into the telecom industry. His grandparents were majority owners of the Pulaski Merchants and Farmers Telephone Company in Pulaski, Wis., (today, Nsight) starting in 1923. He used his passion for the industry to fight for a fair playing field for all local, independent telephone companies in the state of Wisconsin. Ray served as executive vice president of the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association from 1979 - 2002. As part of his life’s work, he was counted as a friend, advocate and political ally for small telcos and was relentless in fighting for the little guys. He was involved in the family telecommunications business as a board member for Nsight.

Ray served as executive director for the Eastern Rural Telecom Association from 2004-2008. He was president of the National Association of State Telecommunications and secretary-treasurer of the WSTA Foundation and participated in many Wisconsin legislative committees on telecommunications. Other professional activities include past president of the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives, Director for Community Banks Incorporation - Bank of Middleton and president of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.

Family was always important to Ray, and he maintained a friendly relationship with his ex-wife, Phyllis. Their 30-year marriage included three amazing children, Ray J. III (RJ), Maria, and Phyllis Rae. Ray continued to be a loving and supportive father to his children as they grew up and started their own families. Ray married the love of his life, Ellen Koch, on July 21, 2013, in Madison, Wis. One of his most cherished roles was as Granddad to his 13 grandchildren. He and Ellie enjoyed many wonderful years together watching the grandchildren grow and fulfilling many travel adventures to Ireland, China, Russia, Africa and many riverboat cruises. Ray and Ellie spent time at their homes in North Carolina and Wisconsin, spending time with family. In addition, Ray enjoyed playing bridge, boating and discussing politics.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; children, Ray J. (Andrea) Riordan III, Maria and Phyllis (Eric) Gaukel; step-children, Eric (Deirdre) Kreighoff, Rob (Amy) Kreighoff and Andrew Kreighoff; grandchildren, Phyllis Rae Gaukel, Eric John Gaukel, Jude Howard Gaukel, Ellie Ann Gaukel, Gladys Diane Gaukel, Ray J. Riordan IV, Madylyn, Michael, Samantha, Carlen, Avery, Samantha and Palmer; and his two brothers, Robert H. and Patrick Riordan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Eileen Riordan; sister, Micki Harper; and ex-wife, Phyllis Riordan.

Please join the family in celebrating his life at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. with Mass to follow. Family invites you to join for a luncheon at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.” - Irish Blessing

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420