Raymond P. Pitsch, 84, of Darboy, WI, passed away peacefully the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

Ray was born May 2, 1941 in Kimberly, WI to Raymond J and Beatrice P (Simon) Pitsch.   He grew up with his family in Kimberly, attending Kimberly High School playing sports and finding his early love of the stage and theatre.  He then attended University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and joined the US Army, serving 6 years in the Army Reserve.

He married Elizabeth "Betty" Becker on May 15, 1965. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary over this past Mother's Day weekend.  His family was his pride and joy. They adopted their daughter, Shelley (Michele) in 1973, and son, Eric in 1975.

Ray had a long and fulfilling career in the paper industry, most notably with Kimberly Clark and Pentair, moving where the job took him throughout Wisconsin and Illinois.  The highlight as a family was the 16 years spent in Niagara, WI at the Niagara of Wisconsin Paper Mill. There they made lifetime friends and enjoyed a cottage nearby—the only family on the lake to drive South to be "Up North".  Ray was very active in coaching sports, serving the community on the Niagara Village board and at St. Anthony Parish, and supporting and starring in many Niagara Community Theatre productions.

Returning to the Fox Valley in 1991, Ray spent another 15 years with Kimberly Clark, picking up where he left off and becoming heavily involved in Saint Mary Parish in Appleton, the Kimberly YMCA, and the Christmas Stars program--where you'd find him playing Angel Gabriel for 17 years.  In retirement, he continued the things he loved, spending time with Betty, golfing, bowling, serving others through St Mary's, and sharing his "Awesome" outlook on life—likely with a joke or two.

He is survived by his wife Betty; children Shelley Pisarra (Scott) of Summit, NJ, Eric Pitsch (Shanyn Collins) of Appleton, WI; and granddaughters, Audrey and Kelsey Pisarra of Summit, NJ.  Preceding him in death are his parents Raymond and Beatrice; and his sisters Dorothy (Dot) and Judy Anne, among many other beloved family and friends.

The funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at St Mary's Catholic Church, 312 S State St, Appleton, with Fr. Bill Swichtenberg officiating.  Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Mary's Catholic Church of Appleton, WI and Christmas Stars of St. Francis of Xavier Catholic School Theater Program.