Raymond “Ray” Edward Havlovick, 72

Raymond “Ray” Edward Havlovick, of Stevens Point, joined Jesus in his fishing boat in the sky on the morning of November 19, 2023, while at home, at the age of 72.

Ray was born February 4, 1951 in Wausau, Wis., the son of the late Joseph and Irene (née Leffel) Havlovick. He grew up in the area and attended local schools, graduating from Newman High School in 1969.

Following high school, Ray attended Dunwoody Industrial College in Minneapolis, Minn. and graduated in 1970 as a master baker. Upon Ray’s return to Wisconsin, he and his family purchased Point Bakery in 1973 where he proudly worked as a master baker until 1999 when Ray retired and the bakery closed.

He was well known for his wedding cake creations; there were about 1,500 decorated cakes celebrating weddings of couples in Central Wisconsin in those 26 years.

On October 6, 1984, Ray married his best friend, Nancy Zurawski; a date strategically chosen between gun season and fishing season. He and Nancy built a beautiful life together and welcomed four children to their family. After Ray’s retirement in 1999, he and Nancy, along with the kids, moved up north.

While there, Ray continued to bake and decorate cakes part-time for Trig’s until 2014 when he retired, for real this time. After that, he worked to complete his bucket list with fishing trips to Canada with his brothers Jim and Joe, and saltwater fishing in Florida and Hawaii with his brother, Larry. Additionally, Ray loved traveling with Nancy all over the United States and Canada.

Throughout his life, Ray was an avid outdoorsman who shared this love with those around him. He spent hundreds of hours, happily untangling thousands of fishing lines, teaching kids how to fish. He also knew how to cook and spent time and talent cooking for the Knights of Columbus in Woodruff. To top it all off, he could clean and do the laundry. He loved NASCAR and football and was a storyteller extraordinaire.

Not only was he a master baker, but he was a self-proclaimed master joke teller. Above all, Ray had a giving heart; lovingly serving his friends, family, and community. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters or Portage County and was awarded the Jack Martin Memorial Award. He also fostered kids through Portage and Oneida counties.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; four children, Christine, Timothy, Charlie, and Charles; and a grandchild, Layton Havlovick. He is further survived by fourteen siblings, Jeanette Havlovick, James (Barb) Havlovick, Joseph (Connie) Havlovick, Thomas (Betty) Havlovick, Dennis (Donna) Havlovick, Sharon (Robert) LeBlanc, Bernard (Donna) Havlovick, Mary (Margie Keenan) Havlovick, Donna (Rob Wojtalewicz) Havlovick, Annette Havlovick, Nancy (William) Vogel, Marlene (Scott) Howland, and Laurie (Bruce) Shankey; a sister-in-law, Karoleen (Larry) Glenzer; a brother-in-law, Joe (Stacy) Zurawski; his beloved dog, Kylie, who was always by his side; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Irene.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Matt, Jason, and Julie of Aspirus Hospice for their tender loving care of our dear Ray. Additionally, Nancy has been inspired by the countless text messages and phone calls from friends and family from all over Wisconsin. You have all been touched by Ray’s love during his lifetime.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Ray’s memory at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2151 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Rev. Steve Brice will officiate. A General Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the church on Saturday, with the visitation to follow from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.