Raymond Wesley Wosepka

MADISON – Raymond Wesley Wosepka, age 67 passed away Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Meriter Hospital, Madison, surrounded by his wife Michelle, family and friends. He was born in Ashland, Wisconsin on June 26, 1942, the son of Wesley and Lolita (Premo) Wosepka. Ray graduated from Ashland High School in 1961 following an outstanding career in football (as a fullback and linebacker) and he was a state tournament qualifier for wrestling. Ray entered the field of law enforcement in 1968 and served as a police officer for twenty years in Madison until 1988. He then became the Dane County Coroner for thirteen years from 1988 until 2001. He worked between two Tissue Banks as a liaison in Madison for eight years from 2001-2009, and in 2009 he was appointed the Dane County Coroner again. He was also a correctional officer, a medical examiner and a court liaison. Ray was a member of Masonic Commonwealth Lodge #325. He married Michelle on September 11, 1982 in Madison. He is survived by his wife Michelle, three daughters, Denise (John) Beirl of Ashland; Deborah Marks of Monona; Christine Wosepka of Oregon; six grandchildren, Carol Beirl, Jessica Beirl, Andrew (Tara Anthony) Marks, Devin Marks, Timothy (Jenna Joyal) Dykstra, Cassandra Dykstra, and one great granddaughter, Aaliyah Beirl Albertus, two sisters, Joan (Allen) Maatta, Barbara (Leonard) Suminski, one brother, David (Ruth) Wosepka. He will be sadly missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and many other relatives, friends, and colleagues. He will be deeply missed by his two very special dogs Dusty Kay and Ruby. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Lolita Wosepka, and his first wife Carol (Mattson) Wosepka. Ray loved Wisconsin and the outdoors. He was a long time boater, motor home enthusiast, and he loved his Badgers and Packers! Most of all, he loved his wife, his daughters, his grandchildren, his siblings, his family, and his friends. He spent his life in community service and law enforcement. He lived to “Protect and Serve.” Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A special thanks to Dr. Ansfield and the nurses at Meriter Hospital ICU and the Cardiac Floor for the wonderful care they gave him. Also, to all the special friends and colleagues he had throughout life. A memorial service will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison on Friday, March 26, 2010, beginning with a Masonic Service at 6 P.M. Friends may call on Friday from 1 P.M. until the time of service. Inurnment in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ashland will be held at a later date. A memorial fund is being established in memory of Ray.