Raymond S. 'Ray' Downer

LODI-Raymond S. “Ray” Downer, age 88, of Lodi, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011. He was born on Aug. 31, 1923, in Milwaukee, the son of Adolph and Josephine Downer. He married Mary P. Kurkerewicz on Sept. 8, 1945. Ray served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. He was an active member of the Catholic Knights at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Ray enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling the country, and spending time with family and friends. He worked as an engineer for AT&T until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of the Wisconsin Telephone Pioneers, Wisconsin L.S.T. Association, and VFW Post #7694 in Prairie du Sac. Ray is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Deanna Downer-White, Keith (Orasa) Downer, Dale (Jane) Downer, Gary (Jessie) Downer, JoAnn (Dale) Harris, and Mark (Kristine) Downer; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers; and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents; and several brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 521 Fair St., Lodi, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, with Father Francisco Higuera presiding. Burial will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the HAMRE GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and care givers at Sauk Prairie Hospital, Good Samaritan Center of Lodi, and VFW Post #7694 of Prairie du Sac. Cemetery: Burial will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the HAMRE GUNDERSON FUNERAL HOME, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 521 Fair St., Lodi, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, with Father Francisco Higuera presiding.