Raymond Michael "Ray" Horcher

A truly self-made man who was lovingly known as “Papa” to his family, was born to eternal life on June 15, 2018 at the age of 79.

When Ray left us suddenly, heaven gained a willing volunteer with a huge heart who can fix anything, an expert in heavy construction machinery, and a helpful friend to anyone who needs a favor.

One of Ray’s closest friends noted: “The angels must have needed help to lift something really heavy.”

Ray will be dearly missed by his countless loyal friends, and his loving wife Irene of 55 years.

He was a wonderful and loving father to Gary (Elizabeth) Horcher, Pam (Andy) Mueller, Angie (Dan) Rohloff and an awesome grandfather to Brad, Adam, Jack, Nick, Alison and Grant.

Ray was born Feb. 12, 1939 in Buffalo Grove IL, the youngest of seven brothers: Ed, Rudy, Harry, “Syke”, Dan, Chip, Artie, and he is survived by one sister, Delores.

Ray’s mix of determination, faith and hustle enabled him to overcome obstacles which many people would have seen as limitations. When there was no money for college, Ray applied that determination and earned a track scholarship at Southern Illinois University, where he met his beloved wife, Irene.

When Ray suffered a massive heart attack at age 34, he took up running and was active until his last day.

Ray proudly ran Tractor Loader Sales in Waukesha WI for 37 years, and dealt in machines that could move mountains – just like Ray’s steady and unshakable faith in God.

Services will be held at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 18255 W. Capital Dr. Brookfield WI  53045 on Thurs. June 21. Visitation from 9-11 AM. Funeral Mass at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s memory can be made where he spent endless hours volunteering, at St. Dominic Church, coaching, organizing the annual “Steeple Chase Run” and helping maintain the church and school with the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond Michael "Ray" Horcher, please visit our floral store.