Raymond J. Pongratz, age 84, of Omro, passed away on Sunday morning, April 2, 2006 at the Omro Care Center. He was born on July 4, 1921 in Auburndale, Wisconsin to George and Amelia Pongratz. Ray married Marie Hannes on August 21, 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oshkosh. He had worked for Morgan Doors and retired after 27 years of service. Ray was a sports fan; enjoying Brewers baseball and NASCAR Racing. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhart, Sr. Ray had a warm heart and a helping nature. He could often be found helping his friends on their farms in his spare time. He also enjoyed latch hooking, knife sharpening and wood chipping.

Ray is survived and will be missed by his wife of 51 years, Marie of Omro; sons, Harold (Fianceé Teresa Medina) of Oshkosh, William (Peggy) of Oshkosh, and Frank of Fox Lake; daughters, Victoria (Dean Schommer) of Oshkosh, Laurie of Neenah and Christine of Oshkosh; grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Susan, Brenda, Tim, Terry, Melissa, Shawn, Krystal, Cody, Jamie, Shannon, Sara, Devan, Derek, Joshua, Jeremy, Jessica and Cory; great grandsons, Travis, Nick, Ian, Noah, Issaic, Ethan, Alex and Trey; sister, Margaret (Jessie) Joosten of Rudolph, WI; brothers, Jake of Meadsville, Pennsylvania and George of Omro; sister in law, Doneta Pongratz of Nekoosa; brother in law, Tom Hannes of Berlin; other relatives and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Alvin Lee; brothers, Andrew, Frank and Wally; sisters, Irene and Tilly; mother in law, Mary Chaffin; four sisters in law and two brothers in law.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 233 E. Scott St., Omro, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial being offered at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Joseph Mattern officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oshkosh. A memorial in his name has been established.

The family would like to thank Omro Care Center, Dr's Wright and Kraemer, the staff of Affinity Health Care and Dr. Atassi of Theda Clark for the wonderful care given to Ray.