Raymond Peterson

Peterson, Raymond MONONA Ray Peterson joined his loving wife, Pat, for the ultimate party in heaven (where the Cubs win the series every year) on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008. Ray was born in Portage, on July 24, 1933, to Earl and Estella Peterson, and joined four wonderful sisters, Helen (Hi) Calkins, Ginny (Jim) Kaech, Mary (Bob) Joachim, and the late Elinor (Ron) Skare. After moving to Madison in 1944, Ray attended St. Raphaels Grade School, then Edgewood High School on a basketball scholarship. Ray excelled in sports, especially basketball, collecting numerous trophies and letters. Ray fell in love with his soul mate, Pat Roach, and they married in 1954. They relocated to Seattle, while Ray finished his tour of duty in the U.S. Army. After moving back to Madison, they had their only child, Suzie, in 1956, and shortly after began their life in Monona. Ray was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He worked as a salesman, first at Hults Chevrolet, Appliance Mart, and retired from Main Appliance. He lived for sports, music, and racing. He won many trophies back in the 1960s for drag racing with his 1956 Chevy with the Corvette engine and continued his love for racing as an avid NASCAR fan. He loved the Badgers, Packers, the Cubs, and UW basketball and Hockey. Ray was an ace pool player. He could be heard for miles blasting CCR, Jimmy Buffett, and his beloved Shania Twain. He had more friends in this town than you could possibly imagine and will be so missed by all. Private family services will be held. A celebration of Rays life will be held at the COLISEUM BAR, 232 E. Olin Ave., Madison, on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Memorials can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for ALS research and support, the American Heart Association, and the Dane County Humane Society. The family would like to thank St. Marys Care Center, for their excellent care; St. Marys Hospital, including all floors, especially the emergency room; Tim Healy, the son Ray never had and friend beyond words; Jerry Nelson, heavenly neighbor, turbo snow shoveler and unconditional friend; the fantastic, "I can fix it Ray," neighbor, Bill Kugle; best buddies, Jim, Diane, Dave and Wally; Ellen Peck for her undying care, expertise, love and so much precious time; and so many others. The family would also like to thank uncle Bob Joachim for taking over as Rays caregiver so Sue could spend more quality time with her dad; Tim Healy (the brother she never had and unbelievable support person). Covance and Midwest Family Broadcasting (93.1 The Lake and Magic 98) for their caring, patience and support throughout Rays illness. As well as best friends Heidi Meier and Nancy Best who kept Sue together and healthy throughout this long tough road.