Raymond A. Bluemke, 90, of Shawano, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Ray was born on Aug. 13, 1925, in Shawano, a son of the late Hubert and Marie (Schutt) Bluemke. He attended the St. James Lutheran grade school and later Shawano High School. Following school, he was employed at Schreier Well Drilling Company. He then entered the United States Army where he served during World War II in the Philippine Islands. While serving his country, Ray had the opportunity to be a personal driver for General MacArthur.
Upon returning from service, he was employed at Shawano Auto Mart in the body shop, and he then worked at Labutzke Ford in Bonduel in the body shop. He later worked at Four Wheel Drive in Clintonville. After many years of working in the fire truck industry, he retired from 3-D Fire Apparatus in Shawano.
On Feb. 7, 1960, Ray was united in marriage to the former Shirley Beilfuss at the Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Menominee, Michigan. The couple lived in Shawano their entire married life. He was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church.
He was a fisherman and deer hunter, shooting his prize 21-point buck in 1958. He loved animals, especially his dog, Speck. He also had a pet squirrel named Peanut, who lived in the house with him and Shirley. He loved flowers and puttering with his car and other machinery. He was an avid snowmobiler and motorcyclist. He always made time for his grandkids.
Ray is survived by his loving family: his wife of 55 years, Shirley, of Shawano; two sons, Randy (Mary) Bluemke and Scott (Amy) Bluemke, both of Shawano; his twin grandsons, Adam and Justin Bluemke of Shawano; a brother-in-law, Curtis (Cindy) Beilfuss of Menasha; a sister-in-law, Hazel Beilfuss of Cecil; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Ray will be held on Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano. Pastor Ted Andrada will officiate. Interment will be in the Lake Drive Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted by the Shawano AmVets Post 10. Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Shawano Lake Lions Club in the name of Ray Bluemke.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelson.com.
“Thank you, Mom, for the loving care you provided to Dad. We are grateful he was able to stay at home until the end.”
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