Raymond Stahura

1932 - 2012

Raymond Stahura died on April 26, 2012, at the Episcopal Church Home in St. Paul, Minn. Ray was born on March 13, 1932, in Youngstown, Ohio, son of Peter and Mary Stahura. He got his undergraduate degree in music from Ohio State, and while there met a music library worker named Margaret Partington, whom he married after graduation, just prior to volunteering into the U.S. Air Force.

In the Air Force he played in the Air Force Jazz Band and sang in the Singing Sergeants, at bases and on occasions around the world, including Eisenhower's first inauguration in 1952. During his years of service he and Margaret had two sons, Alan and Mark.

After discharge he earned his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Music Theory from Indiana University, which led to a 35-year teaching career at Ripon College. At Ripon he founded the Chamber Music Series, conducted the orchestra, taught woodwind instruments, and taught in numerous classroom subjects. He was named an outstanding teacher on more than one occasion, and chaired the department for many years.

Ray retired from teaching in 1997 and worked for many years on a textbook about Musical Theater, his late-in-life passion. He travelled extensively and loved to cook. He continued to communicate with a wide network of former colleagues, former students, and artists far and wide.

He is survived by his brother, Bill, Los Angeles; sons, Alan, New Jersey; and Mark, St. Paul; and granddaughters, Eva, Elsa, and Eleanor. He was preceded in death by his other brothers, Ted and Bobby, and his ex-wife, Margaret.

Services will be held at Ripon College, with details to come. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Ripon College Advancement Office.