Raymond C. Zeier

MADISON-After a long, courageous journey of 85 years of life, Raymond C. Zeier followed in Gods path on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at home. He leaves behind his loving wife and companion of 52 years, Loraine; his four beloved children, Dennis (Deborah), Renee, Maria, and Michelle (William) Kucharski; a proud grandfather to Jonathon (Nicole) and Felicia; and dear brother of Joan (Don) Evans. Ray is further survived by numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends. In his peaceful passage, he joins his beloved son, Mark; grandson, Travis; and parents, Leo and Anna. The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more. These are the words Ray seemed to live by. Born on Dec.26, 1924, in Madison, he learned the value of hard work while growing up on the family farm, where he continued to work after graduating from Edgewood High School in 1943. In 1949, Ray along with his father and brother-in-law, began Evans-Zeier Plastics, a successful business that continues to operate today under his son, Dennis, as Zeier Plastics and Manufacturing. In 1957, he married Loraine, who also became his lifelong business partner and his dedicated caregiver during his decline from Alzheimers. Ray built not only their business, but their family, and a home. He labored hard to construct their own house, as well as his fathers house, performing most construction tasks himself. However, his other dream and endeavor he hoped to someday build and operate a hotel. At age 63, Rays dream became a reality when he and Loraine opened East Towne Suites Hotel in 1987, on what was once the Zeiers family 76 Farm. In 1997, they built, and in conjunction with their children, operated a second hotel until 2007. Over the years, he proudly worked to develop the surrounding land to include many retailers, restaurants, and other businesses, helping to build the economy of Madisons East Side. Ray was known for being a hard-working, self determined man. His sense of humor was a true display of his dry wit. Being a great man of faith and charity, he was a generous supporter of Edgewood High School and St. Bernard Catholic Church throughout his life. Ray also enjoyed many valuable business associations and friendships through the Accounting and Management Group of Madison. Ray enjoyed Badgers and Packers football games, and auto trips around Wisconsin to explore new places for food, scenery, and fun. He enjoyed local community events, such as the Art Fair on the Square, and theater events. While Alzheimers took away his ability to perform daily functions, it couldnt take away his sense of humor and his special spirit. He remained a gentle, happy, compassionate, and loving person until his final day. Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Many thanks to his caregivers at Midwest Home Care, Home Health United, and Hospice for their loving care and comfort. Cemetery: Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding.