In loving memory of

Raymond J. "Ray" Stalowski
January 9, 1933 - September 12, 2018

MADISON-Raymond "Ray" Stalowski, age 85, went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at All Saints Memory Care in Madison. Ray was born on January 9, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Ignatz & Czeslawa (Kloss) Stalowski. He graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1951 and Marquette University in 1955. He married the love of his life, Beverly Fleischer on April 21, 1956.

Ray was employed by Price Waterhouse & Company, in Milwaukee from 1955 until 1962, during which time he earned his CPA designation from the State of Wisconsin. He moved to Madison, Wisconsin in July 1962 to join the Kayser Automotive Group as Corporate Controller and Treasurer. In 1971, he was named President of Kayser Leasing Corporation, and with the help of his friend and mentor, Ken Kimport, built Kayser Leasing into a large regional vehicle leasing company, which was ultimately sold to Associates Corporation of North America in 1984. Ray was then named Senior Vice President of the parent company until his retirement in 1991.

Ray was extremely proud of his Polish heritage and his extended family in Poland, which he had the privilege of knowing and visiting on several occasions.

He was a long-time member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 4527, East Madison-Monona Rotary and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Ray was active in his parish church from 1964 to the present and served as President of the Carefree Years Club.

Ray counted his blessings every day and shared his happiness with those around him and dear to his heart. God knows that we will miss him greatly.

He is survived by his four children, Susan Arthur (John Walker), Ray, David (Mary) and Tom; grandchildren, Kristen (Jason) Dambach, Bryan Arthur, Melissa, Alex, Josh and Lucy Stalowski; great-grandchildren, Julia, Noah and Vera Dambach; sister, Leona Schueller (Allen) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Poland.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, his parents, his brothers, Zenon and Henry, and his sister-in-law, Arlene Stalowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Michael Burke and Father Robert Evenson, presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Monday, September 17, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of the Mass.

Ray's family would like to thank the staff at UW Carbone Cancer Clinic, All Saints Memory Care in Madison and Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care in Fitchburg. You are all angels.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the organizations listed above or St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434

Tributes

Bill Waldbillig, former president of Waldbillig & wrote on Sep 19, 2018:

"I had the pleasure of working with Ray when we were the advertising agency for Kayser Automotive. He was a great gentleman. He was very knowlegable and extremely well informed about finance and his specialty as a CPA. In spite of all of his talents, he remained a humble person in a service role, always looking out for how he could maximize his service to his employer. Ken Kimport was not the easiest boss to work for, but Ray adjusted and adapted and continued to serve and never complained about any difficulties. There is a vacant spot in our world without Ray Stalowski."

Amerik wrote on Sep 17, 2018:

"It was a sad day to say the least upon hearing the news of the passing of my Uncle Ray, the Patriarch of the Stalowski Family; who will once again be joined with his beloved wife Beverly. I will forever pay him homage for all his generosity in taking care of my mom after his brother Zenon's death. Rest in peace Uncle Ray! Amerik"

Gary C. Morris wrote on Sep 17, 2018:

"My prayers to Ray's family. Ray was a very special person in my life as he gave me my very 1st job right out of the Air Force as Kayser's credit manager in 1972. He was a wonderful mentor, friend and a kind of 'general' every GI would love & respect. He always had time for one and I spent many an hour in his office hearing about Poland and his travels. I know he will be missed very much. With love and much sadness, Gary C. Morris"

Betty Zeier Gauldin wrote on Sep 16, 2018:

"Sue and family Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and as you begin the journey of grieving. Our loved ones are always with us. Hugs Betty Zeier Gauldin"

Ron Berman wrote on Sep 14, 2018:

"Ray was a great person. He made others feel good about themselves. I had the privilege to work with him as an outside adviser for many years at Kayser Leasing. He will be missed. We respected him - a fine tribute for a business person. Ron Berman"

Becky Braund wrote on Sep 14, 2018:

"Ray was a tremendous person....I had the privilege of working for him during his time at Kayser Leasing.... His employees were his family..... Rest in peace.... Becky Braund"