Raymond Charles Litzsinger

Raymond, Ray, "Raymondo", "Raymo", "Raymoosch", was truly one of a kind. Born in Saint Louis, Missouri, he was a lifelong Cardinals fan and a Blues hockey fanatic. Despite his deep affinity for the Gateway City, Ray set down his roots in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here, he lived his adult life, and dedicated his studies and his career to law enforcement in his adoptive home. A proud Green Bay Police Department officer with a career of over 20 years, Ray spent the first half of his career on the night shift, patrolling and in the radio room. The second half was as a Community Police Officer, in the south Broadway area and Tank neighborhood. At work, he was remembered as a quiet guy who was as honest as the day is long, and would give you the shirt off his back. Upon retirement, Ray developed skills in bicycle repair, restoring bicycles and donating them. He also focused energies on his beloved senior hockey teams, providing support in a wide number of ways and continued his deep interest in his family's genealogy.

Ray enjoyed a life of quiet solitude, and although he was generally a soft-spoken, mild-mannered man, he was also courageously outspoken on issues that most mattered to him. He treasured his time alone, yet he also relished his time with his friends, colleagues, teammates and family. Trips to St. Louis, and with family to Montana, were high on his list. He was a "law and order liberal" who had an acute awareness of the plight of the less fortunate. As a police officer, he was deeply committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of his beloved Green Bay. He was a pacifist who willingly carried a gun on the job, hoping to never have to use it. Ray was a caring, sensitive guy who revered all creatures, great and small (especially dogs). He was a passionate defender of the environment and a tireless advocate who sought to preserve the beauty of the natural world for future generations.

Ray was remarkably generous to others in the sharing of his time and resources. And when it came to friends and family, Ray was regularly known to lavish what he called "fabulous prizes" upon them: Usually a cornucopia of odds and ends that he thoughtfully collected from garage sales and thrift stores. Often, these gifts were greeted with groans and eye rolls. Undaunted, Ray would first set forth a compelling argument as to why this slightly damaged plastic trophy was actually the perfect gift. If this argument proved unpersuasive, he would simply flash his impish grin, followed by his characteristic hearty guffaw.

Ray enjoyed participating in a variety of sports across his lifetime. His favorite sport as a participant was hockey. He seemed to savor most the camaraderie among his teammates.

Each day Ray mindfully set "to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble". He influenced others to be thoughtful and considerate in their daily existence. He has touched our lives and we are better for having known him. In his own special way, Ray left the world a better place than it was when he first arrived. He will be sadly missed.

Ray will be remembered for his love of a good buffet, apples, vanilla ice cream, and scoring a good deal.

Ray is survived by his sisters Gail Garthe (Bob) and Connie Lombard (Paul), sister-in-law Hope Litzsinger, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents William and Lillian, and his brothers Bill and Gary.