Raymond “Ray” Patrick Shuda, 88

Raymond “Ray” Patrick Shuda, 88, of Stevens Point, died peacefully Dec. 30, 2025, under the care of Dimensions Living in Stevens Point.

Raymond was born March 17, 1937, in the Town of Dewey to Steven and Elizabeth (née Wlodarski) Shuda. He attended St. Peter’s Grade School and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School.

Ray began his driving and delivery career at Quality Beverage in the summer of 1954. During his life, he worked as a delivery driver for Point Bakery, Morning Glory Dairy and UPS in Stevens Point. Ray ended his working career at UPS with 29 years of service. He was presented with the Wisconsin Circle of Honor “Award of Excellence for Safe Driving for 25 years.” He retired in 1999.

Ray worked at Meshaks Service Station during his high school years. He met Irene Meronek one day as she walked past the gas station on her way to work downtown. The owner of the gas station told Ray to go over and talk to Irene. So, he walked over, said “Hello,” and told her he had a car and could give her a ride if she needed one. Weeks later, she called him, and the rest was history.

Ray and Irene were married Sept. 28, 1957, at St. Peter Catholic Church with a reception at Starlight Ballroom. They settled in Stevens Point and raised five children: Dan, Kathy, Gary, Alan and Craig.

Ray’s music career in the polka industry began at an early age, encouraged by his father, Steve, who also played the drums. One of his first band jobs was at Peacock Bar on the north side of Stevens Point at the age of 12. Ray formed a number of bands, including Ray Shuda and His Orchestra, Ray Shuda & Mike Piotrowski and Orchestra, The Rhythm Kings and The Ray Shuda Variety Band. Some of his local and most talented members in the band were Eddie Klismith, Jerry Kowalski, Jim Williner, Irv Kovalski, Adolph Kalpinski, Ed Charneski, Dan Serafin, Carl Karcheski, Debbie Fisher and Jeff Karcheski. Three of Ray’s sons, Dan, Gary and Al, played with The Rhythm Kings. Ray’s music career spanned 50 years.

Ray recorded his rendition of “Horsey Keep Your Tail Up” and “Dancing Shoes Oberek” on a 45 vinyl record in 1961. These songs are still played in central Wisconsin on Saturday and Sunday morning polka shows.

Like his father, he passed on his love of music to his grandchildren, as all of them learned to play musical instruments. Ray and Irene loved to visit them for school music programs and concerts. Ray’s granddaughter, Bethany, has a musical career and owns Midwest Harp LLC. Ray’s grandson, Jacob, also works in the music and entertainment industry, most notably at Second City in Chicago.

Ray enjoyed camping trips throughout Wisconsin with Irene and his children. He pulled his camper and a carload of kids to many campgrounds from 1972 and many years after. These campgrounds included Indian Shores, The Outpost, DuBay Campground, Bonanza Heights and Jellystone Park in Warrens. Jellystone became a yearly family tradition that lasted more than 50 years and included his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ray and Irene traveled with family and friends via plane, train and automobile to many tourist destinations, including Branson, Dallas, Las Vegas, Nashville, New Orleans, New York and Orlando. They traveled to the grandchildren’s school, sports and musical events throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota for 25 years.

Ray is survived by his five children: Daniel (Ann) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Kathleen (Wayne) of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin; Gary (Heidi) of Plover, Wisconsin; Alan (Kris) of Faribault, Minnesota; and Craig (Anita) of Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Ray is survived by his 13 grandchildren: Bethany Shuda (Steve) Kolve of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Ali Shuda (Matt) Bents of Madison, Wisconsin; Jacob Shuda of Los Angeles; Rosemary Shuda of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; Stephanie (James) Vaughan of Edgerton, Wisconsin; Marc Lundquist of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Caitlyn Shuda of Plover, Wisconsin; Brett Shuda of Plover, Wisconsin; Matt Shuda of Faribault, Minnesota; Michael (Daisy Jo) Shuda of Faribault, Minnesota; Jason Shuda of Faribault, Minnesota; Jarod Shuda of Brookfield, Wisconsin; and Tyler Shuda of Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Ray is also survived by his 10 great-grandchildren: Sam Callarman, Britt Larson, Poppy Bents, Maurice Bents, Donovan Lundquist, Sylvie Vaughan, Lera Vaughan, Carter Shuda, Eleanore Shuda and Nathan Shuda.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Elizabeth Shuda; brother Ron Shuda; and wife Irene Shuda.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Interim Health Care in Wausau and Dimensions Living in Stevens Point for their kindness, care and support during the past few years.

A visitation will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon, with service to follow at Shuda Funeral Chapel, 3200 Stanley St., Stevens Point. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.