Raymond W. "Ray" Dobson

1951 - 2025

Janesville, WI - Raymond Ward Dobson was born in Grundy Center, IA, on September 14, 1951, to Lyle E. and Arlene E. (Brigan) Dobson. He was lucky enough to be born on his Grandma Orpha's birthday and she never let anyone forget it! They had a special relationship.

Ray graduated from Orange High School near Waterloo, IA, in 1969. He moved to northern Wisconsin shortly after. He worked at the Experimental Farm in Spooner, and was a sheriff's deputy and dispatcher in Sawyer County. He lived and worked in Illinois and Florida before returning to Wisconsin. Ray went to St. Petersburg College for 3 years. He worked at Fort Health Care for 37 years, 19 years in the ICU where he became lifelong friends with many of his co-workers. He retired in 2023.

He married Dorothy "Dory" M. Soss Karambelas on November 3,1979, in Shell Lake, WI.

Ray never met a stranger. He was quick to learn your name and was friendly and outgoing. Whether, you knew him as Ray, Dobie, or Butch, he always made you feel as if you were important to him. His easy smile always put you at ease.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, Dory; son, Bill Karambelas, Elk Grove Village, IL; siblings, Larry Dobson, Somerset, KY, Mary Johnston, Cameron, WI, Sue Dobson, Spooner, WI, and Jodie Benson, Grantsburg, WI; nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Arthur Soss, Janesville, WI; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Soss, Huntley, IL. Also left to mourn his loss are those who held a special place in his heart, Ian, Zach, Lizzy and many others.

Ray was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Karambelas; parents; grandparents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Marie Soss; and brothers-in-law, Arnold Soss, Dean Swearingen and Sonny Kruse.

Ray wishes you to remember him as you knew him. He has requested there be no services and his ashes will be spread at a later date where the Auroras dance across the night sky.