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BORN
1941
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Raymond Donahue Obituary
Raymond "Ray" Joseph Donahue, 76, a resident of St. Peter, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. Ray was born on October 3, 1941, a son of Raymond and Augusta (Iseman) Donahue. On August 22, 1964 Ray married Dorothy Marie Peterson at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Chicago, IL.
Ray was a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he obtained a PhD in metallurgical engineering. After graduation Ray and Dorothy moved to Connecticut where he was a professor of metallurgy. They then moved to Glenview, IL where he began his employment with Brunswick Corp, which eventually brought him to Fond du Lac and Mercury Marine Corporation. Ray was employed with Brunswick for 45 years at the time of his death.
Ray greatly enjoyed his work at Mercury. He loved his time with his family and looked forward to all family occasions, as well as time with his many friends.
Ray is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 53 years; four children, Sheryl (Jeff) Hoyer of Northbrook, IL, Rick (Stephanie) Donahue of West Bend, WI, Ron (Kay) Donahue of St. Peter and Colleen (Paul) Donahue of Oshkosh, WI; 18 grandchildren, Matthew, Megan and Amanda Hoyer, Katrina (Sebastian Baxter), Theresa, Nathan, Alex, Justin and Michael Donahue; Bryce Forseth, Hailey, Abrie, Gavin, Madison and Ashlin Donahue, Jacob, Emma and Brynn Donahue; one sister, Sheila Behn; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding Ray in death are his parents.
Visitation: Ray's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E Division St., Fond du Lac. There is also visitation on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10:00 until 10:45 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church, St. Peter, WI.
Service: At 11:00 AM, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Catholic Church. Cremation will follow these traditional services with burial in St. Peter Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Donahue
Sponsored by Zacherl Funeral Home - Fond du Lac.
Dan & Nancy Lindgren
January 15, 2018
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. We were so very sorry to hear of Dr. Ray's passing. He was a great friend and mentor from my days of plastics engineering at Mercury Marine. Even after I left Merc, I always valued the times we could get together and talk about engineering and our families over dinner. He is deeply missed. He talked so highly of you all - his wife, children and grandchildren.
Dan & Nancy Lindgren
Clarks Mills, WI
LARRY BECKER
December 22, 2017
I worked with Ray and Jim Dvorak in the late 70's to early 80's. To this day I still have good memories of my time with them.
Ray was a very caring individual and always did his best for those around him.
My sympathies to his wife Dottie and his family.
Ann Yockey
October 18, 2017
My sympathy to you at this difficult time Dorothy.
October 17, 2017
My sympathy to Ray's family. I had the pleasure of working with Ray off and on over the years and found him to be a great friend. Rest in peace Ray.
Paul & Oeg Freiburger
October 16, 2017
I just learned about the passing of Ray on Sunday and Peg and I are very sorry that we missed the service. Ray was a great neighbor and I very much enjoyed our conversations over the years. He was a true gentleman with a great mind and spirit - I will miss him. Our prayers and best wishes are with Dorothy and his family.
Herb Doty
October 16, 2017
I was stunned to hear of Ray's passing. He was a great friend and I had the deepest respect and admiration for him on many levels. My life is richer for having known Ray and I am happy that my wife and family were able to get to know him and appreciate what a heavy loss this is to me and to our community. Dorothy our prayers are with you and your family!
Herb and Cindy Doty
Diane Weigel
October 15, 2017
We just found out about Ray's passing today and send our deepest sympathy. Dorothy ,you are in our thoughts and prayers. May you be surrounded with blessings and peace...a great man.
George and Diane Weigel
Srinath Viswanathan
October 14, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to Ray's family. Ray was a wonderful person and outstanding engineer and metallurgist. He always encouraged and supported me and was very fair in his dealings with everyone. His passing is a big loss to the casting community.
Sincerely,
Srinath Viswanathan
Roger Lumley
October 14, 2017
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to all of the Donahue Family on Ray's passing.
Ray has been a great friend to me and has significantly influenced and helped my career over the past 10 years or so I have known him. We have shared a strong interest in metal casting, especially diecasting, and I have had the honour to have been collaborating with him recently over the past months and weeks.
Ray was a true gentleman and I am richer for having known him as my friend.
Cathi Peterson
October 13, 2017
Dear Aunt Dorothy, Cheryl, Rick, Ron & Colleen,
Very sad to learn of Uncle Ray's passing. I have so many fond memories of our many family gatherings. Wish I could be there to to personally offer my condolences. Know that you are all in my prayers.
Dave Bell
October 13, 2017
Ray Donahue was an exceptional person in every way and will be missed greatly. Not only was Ray a brilliant scientist and developer of novel materials and technology but he had a rare understanding of how things got done in life and business and was a source of endless encouragement and energy to drive everyone to do their best. As an entrepreneur I appreciate that Ray was always there to support us taking surface modification (coating) technology to the next level. Ray was a blessing to us and a gift and a friend that made possible an abundance of creativity and innovation. We are all better because of Ray and we will miss Ray so much!
mark kruszynski
October 13, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Dr.Ray's family and his family at Mercury Marine, we will miss such a giant in our industry, just a very good natured man and was willing to listen and give sound advice. From everyone at LaFrance.
Bill Hubbell look
October 12, 2017
Mr. Mercosil may you rest in peace. A true giant in the industry.
David Jorgensen
October 12, 2017
If you knew Ray as a friend, you had no better friend. If you knew him as a scientist, he was the smartest man of science you ever met - a brilliant treasure. Ray left an indelible mark on the world in both his professional and private lives. 50 years from now students will be looking up the works of Ray Donahue as they endeavor to enhance the knowledge of the world and its elements. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Andreas Bahr
October 12, 2017
Dr. Ray, you will be missed by all your friends in Toronto, Canada. Thank you for your friendship and mentorship throughout the last 16+ years.
Joe, Lindsey & Jared Hoyer
October 12, 2017
R.I.P. Mr. Donahue.
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