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Raymond Py

Raymond L. "Ray" Py

About

Wauwatosa East High School University of Wisconsin

FUNERAL HOME

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Raymond Py Obituary

Py, Raymond L. "Ray" Age 76. Tuesday, January 1, 2013. Has left his work on this earth with a thousand books yet unwritten, a thousand places yet to visit, and a thousand dreams yet unrealized. He leaves behind a brother, Arthur B. Py, Jr., and a sister, Judy Henley; step-brother, Jerome Wallace; daughters, Elizabeth (Beth) Py-Lieberman, Stacey Py Flynn and son, Raymond (Chip) Py, Jr. and his companion, friend and fiancee, Carol Buchholz, a classmate from Wauwatosa High School. He had three grandchildren, Claire and Patsy Lieberman and Matthew J. Flynn. Ray was a graduate of Wauwatosa High School and attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he was the editor of the school paper, The Daily Cardinal. He was preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Farybelle, and a loving wife of thirty-nine years, Lucille Mathews Py. Ray was a journalist who loved his work and missed it every day after retiring in 1997. He worked for various newspapers in Wisconsin and Washington DC as a writer and editor. Ray's career included a position as an administrative assistant to the late Congressman Henry Schadeberg. He worked for the Selective Service during the Vietnam War, helping to convert the military draft to an all-volunteer army. He served as a magazine editor while serving in the United States Air Force from 1954 - 1958. In 1991, Ray received a National Press Club award for investigative reporting while living in Maryland. In his retirement, Ray served on the Wauwatosa High School Class of 1954 Reunion Committee, enjoyed work in local community theater productions of To Kill a Mockingbird, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Witness for the Prosecution. As well, Ray was instrumental in uncovering and shaping the WPA Mural Preservation Project at Wauwatosa East High School. A Visitation for Ray will be held Friday, January 4 from 3:00PM until 6:00PM at the Funeral Home. Any tributes should be directed to the WPA Mural Preservation Program at Wauwatosa East High School. http://wauwatosahistoricalsociety.org/tosahighproject.html.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Py

15 Entries

Faye Lewark Daniels

December 28, 2022

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal...

Dave Nelsen

January 10, 2013

I'm sorry I missed the services last week. Ray was a funny, intelligent, talented man. He and I were in "Cuckoo's Nest" together in 2003, and we connected again on Facebook a few years later. Ray was always one of my favorite people on Facebook. No one could crank out the wisecracks like he could. He'll be missed. I'm very sorry we all lost him.

Janice Burch Kayser

January 7, 2013

I believe Ray was the first reader to call and personally introduce himself to me when I first started as a reporter in the area years ago. Ray was one of the most passionate historians I've ever met. His love for all people and things Wauwatosa was evident in his hobbies, his work, his writings, his friends. My sympathies and peace to the family during this difficult time.

Jennifer Jerrett

January 7, 2013

I am so sorry for the loss of such a uniqe, intelligent and inquisitive father and fiance. My sincere condolances go to his children; Stacey, Beth, and Chip. And his fiance Carol as well. I was never able to meet Ray, but am here in Maryland and just love and treasure his grieving children. Rest in peace Ray Py, I believe you are now in a safe, restful and peacful place. May god bless you and keep you...

Faye Daniels

January 7, 2013

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time; may your memories bring you comfort.

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” ~~ Eskimo Proverb

Carol

January 6, 2013

Art andfamily- I send my deepest sympathies to you. I was a close friend of Jo Colombo while she worked for you in 'Tosa. I still have a piece of unfinished artwork for you, highlighting, among other things, an E. Chambers Steet sign from our old days. Last I knew, you were living in Florida. My best wishes to you and your family May you find comfort in loving memories.

Thomasine (Tommie) Highwart

January 5, 2013

Ray, I have learned to enjoy and then love you with your writings on Facebook. I lived on the same street, 63rd, at almost the same address, 2650 vs 2450, for all my young life until I left Tosa for college at USC. You were a great writer and I wish I had known you in person. Carol, if Marilyn were here, she would join with me in offering you our condolences. Ray, you will be sorely missed. Whom else can I read in dumb ol' Facebook. Your legacy is large. What more can we hope for? (also Tosa '54)

William Ward

January 5, 2013

My goodness, a Wauwatosa HS class reunion without Ray! In 2004, Ray WAS the reunion committee. A fantastic, energetic Tosa man who belongs on the Wall of Honor. We are richer for having known him.

Mary Ann Guenther

January 4, 2013

I have had the privlege of spending time with Ray and Carol for the past two years--helping them in little ways to make life good. I will remember the way Ray's humor despite his pain, his optimism, and his gentleness. I will miss him.

Amy Hollis

January 3, 2013

Chip and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May happy memories comfort you at this difficult time.

MaryGail Py

January 3, 2013

Raymond will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He will live on in comforting memories and in the legacy of his children and grandchildren. My heart goes out to Carol, Chip, Beth, Stacey and their families.

Me and my dad

Beth Py-Lieberman

January 3, 2013

Dad, My hero. I love writing because you did. I love reading because you did. I love telling funny stories because you did. I love laughing because you did. I love asking questions because you did. I am me because of who you were. Always and forever, Beth

January 3, 2013

John Vettel, Carson City, NV (Tosa- 54)

Brian Py

January 3, 2013

I will always remember "Uncle Raymond" for his unique sense of humor and love and dedication to his children. He was my father's unseparable companion in addition to his "little brother" while growing up in Wauwatosa. he will be missed.

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