Rev. Raymond "Ray" Ryerson

Father Ray Ryerson, 83, died to this life and entered the next and final stage of eternal life on Saturday, August 6, 2016. Ray was born on August 24, 1932 to the late La Verne Willcox and Edith Ethel (Crocker) Ryerson in Detroit, Michigan. He was ordained to Holy Orders as a deacon of the Episcopal Church on April 20, 1985 and as a priest on October 19, 1985. This followed a 27 year career in the auto and marine industries. Ray attended public schools in Detroit and graduated from Detroit Pershing High School in 1951. He continued his education at Wayne State University, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in management. Going back to Wayne on a part-time basis, he earned additional credits for a major in accounting. While at Wayne he met, fell in love with, and married Janet Ruth Keiser. Jan and Ray had three children; David Paul, Robert Verne, and Joan Kathryn. Following graduation, he began his career with one of the auto firms in Detroit. He spent 13 years at various positions in accounting and budgets. Jan and Ray and the children then moved to Hartford, Wisconsin where he continued with the same company but as comptroller of a wholly owned subsidiary. In effect, the family grew up in Hartford. Both sons graduated from Hartford High School and went on to school. Joan moved to Maryland with Jan and Ray. Following graduation she moved to Michigan. He treasured his time with family, always attending Little League that Dave and Bob were in and parades that Joan marched and played in. He loved spending time with his family. While in Hartford he and Jan were active in community affairs. He was chair of the United Fund Drive and served on the Board of the local hospital during a major construction program. After 9 years in the Hartford position Ray was invited by a person he had once worked for to take a position in Maryland. He accepted the position but, after 5 years as Vice- President of Finance and Administration, he felt called to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. After the necessary discernment process, he entered seminary in September 1982. He received his MDiv from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in May, 1985. He and his wife Jan began his ministry serving two churches: St. John’s in Shawano and St. John the Evangelist in New London. It was during this period of his first ministry that he lost his wife, Jan, to cancer on June 10, 1989 in Shawano. Father Ray’s full time ministry spanned 10 years and included St. John’s, Shawano; St. John’s New London; St. Paul’s, Plymouth; and St. Boniface, Chilton. During this time he married Kathleen Dianne Elder and they were blessed with 26 years of marriage beginning July 7, 1990. Following his retirement from full time ministry, Father Ray was asked to serve several churches throughout the Diocese of Fond du Lac when they were in the search process for new pastors. He and Kathie loved serving these parishes and thoroughly enjoyed their time with each of them. Father Ray always felt blessed to have been a part of the lives of so many. When he wasn’t ministering to others, he enjoyed reading, especially historical biographies. He loved Packer football. He and Kathie enjoyed attending plays. They also loved traveling and especially enjoyed Charleston, Boston and Nashville. Ray often wore a cap that said “Life is good.” He always said, “I’ve been blessed. I’ve had a wonderful life.” Ray was such a loving and gentle soul and the most wonderful husband. There are no words to express this great loss. He will be loved forever. Ray is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons, David (Pamela); Robert (Margaret); daughter, Joan (Steve) Fracassa; grandchildren, Cody (Jimena) Ryerson, Ian (Lauren) Ryerson, Tyler Ryerson, Jenny Fracassa, Emily Fracassa, Anthony Ryerson, Christopher Ryerson, Marcus Ryerson; step-grandchildren, Kim (Mike) Orth, James Getz; several great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings; and Kathie’s parents, Harold and Margaret Elder. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, August 17 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 226 Washington St., Menasha from 1:00 until 2:45pm. A celebration of his life and ministry will take place at St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 3:00pm., Wednesday. Burial will take place at Nashotah House Cemetery, Nashotah, WI. Online condolences may be sent to www.cotterfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund is being established for St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha. Ray’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of St. Vincent Hospital ninth floor and Unity Hospice for their compassionate care.

Reception:
The reception will be at the church following the service.