Name: Visitation for Raymond Louis "Tim" Gloeckler
Start: 2022-08-05T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-08-05T16:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

Raymond Louis "Tim" Gloeckler

PORTAGE - It was a good life. Raymond Louis "Tim" Gloeckler, age 93, of Portage, completed that life on Monday, June 6, 2022, in Tivoli at Divine Savior Healthcare, Portage, WI.

Ray was born in Portage, the only child of Louis and Florence (Murphy) Gloeckler. He attended the University of Wisconsin, in Madison, where he completed both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in art and art education. He also played on the intercollegiate UW 150 lb. football team winning the Big 10 Championship in 1947. While in Portage on college break, Ray cautioned a group of young women swimming in the Wisconsin River about the dangers of the undercurrent. One of those women was Joyce Boetcher. That meeting eventually led to 70-years of fruitful marriage, friendship, and inspiration.

In 1961, Ray joined the faculty of the UW Madison Art Department where he taught for almost 40-years. He became part of a nationally renowned printmaking program. They became known collectively as the "Progressive Printmakers" and attracted international interest. Ray never lost his early focus on education, believing that art education could, and should, make for a better world. Instilling an appreciation of art and the ability to express oneself was a fundamental element of his career, which his many students appreciated.

Ray was a prolific artist with a prestigious resume. Highlights include being the first American invited to join the British Association of Wood Engravers and induction as a Fellow of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. His work is in the Smithsonian Archives of American Art and an extended list of renowned University and private collections.

Ray most valued his family, his friends, his faith, and being an artist. These interests were often incorporated into his artwork, along with a lifelong dedication to bicycling, curling, and certainly sharp political and social commentary.

Ray is survived by his wife, Joyce; four children: Timothy (Jodi) Gloeckler, Terry (Bill) Gloeckler, Tad (Gretchen) Gloeckler, Tricia Ognar; four grandchildren: Liz, Emmett, Ike, and Oriana; and other near relatives and dear friends.

The family expresses great appreciation for all who extended kindness and care for Ray at the end of his life.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 5, 2022, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Portage, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic School in Portage, WI.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com) is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Jun. 12, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Gloeckler

Sponsored by Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home - Portage.

8 Entries

David Becker and Patricia Fennell

August 7, 2022

We wish to offer our deepest condolences to Joyce and family. We have fond memories of Ray as an affable colleague in the UW-Madison Art Department.

Raymond Gloeckler was an integral member of the printmaking faculty that put the UW-Madison Art Dept. on the map. His print oeuvre is extensive and easily comes to mind. Ray has left an important legacy in both his work and teaching.

Rachel Durfee

June 25, 2022

My deepest condolences to Joyce and the family.

Ray was an amazing professor and friend. His prints were what drew me to to the MFA program in printmaking at UW Madison and continue to be a source of joy and inspiration today. I was one of Ray's last students because he retired the same year that I finished graduate school. He accompanied me down the aisle to receive my MFA diploma and gave me his print, "Resolute Wren," as a gift. He was a good listener, an avid storyteller, a generous supporter and a gracious mentor. He modeled what it means to be an artist and person of humility, cheerfulness and integrity. I am grateful for all he has been to me.

Wishing you comfort as you share memories and celebrate his life.

chris gargan

June 14, 2022

Mr. Gloeckler was an outstanding example of what a professor and artist should be. Beyond his dedication to his art was his sincere commitment to every student, his aspiration that they all succeed. In an era of self interest and excess Mr. Gloeckler was a model of rectitude, wit, humility, grace, and self discipline. He was a mentor to so many and a model of how to succeed as an artist and as a human being. One of a handful of professors worthy of remembrance and honor. It was a privilege to have known him. His like will not pass this way again.

Peggy Ford

June 13, 2022

Sending sincere condolences to Joyce and family. My late husband, Neil, was one of the priviledged to have his name "incorporated into his art"; thank you.

Georgia Pollard

June 13, 2022

Tim, Jodie and all of your dad's family and friends. My deepest condolences. What a full and giving life the elder Tim led. Son Tim, I see your dad in you. May the many stories and memories shared throughout the next days, weeks and months to come bring all of you peace.

gary l koch

June 12, 2022

Sorry for the loss,I worked in art dept. were I got to know ray I always look at the print he gave me when he retired. I still have the print on my wall.

Edward A. Solner

June 12, 2022

It is our delight to own one of Mr. Gleckler's prints. He will be remembered in our house for years to come. Ed and Pat Solner

Paul and Linda Wescott

June 11, 2022

I love the picture! He was a great artist and art teacher. I remember my Dad telling my brother and me about playing with him, and that when they were done, Tim's mother would always say, "Now help Timmy pick up the toys," and my Dad would always say this to us at bedtime.

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