Raymond P. Birdsall II
Raymond Perry Birdsall II, 90, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2019, with his family at his side. He was born on January 26, 1929, in Neenah, WI, to the late Ray and Anna (Mueller) Birdsall. Ray graduated at age 16 from Algoma High School and went on to the University of Wisconsin graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science. In 1950, Ray proudly served with the United States Army during the Korean War and honorably discharged in 1952. He continued his service with the Army Reserves from 1955 through 1966 attaining the rank of Captain. On July 25, 1953, Raymond married his love, Arlene Anderson and spent 66 beautiful years together. Together, they raised seven children.
Ray grew up in Algoma and early in life began to nurture his athletic talents and love for the outdoors. At the age 12, he began hunting and trapping. During his high school years, he participated in numerous sports including basketball and baseball. When he wasn’t participating in a sport, he was helping organize them. While attending the University of Wisconsin, Ray worked for the Intramural Sports Department and during the summer he was a swimming instructor. He played professional baseball for the Green Bay Blue Jays, a minor league team for the Cleveland Indians and the Door County Cherry League. After he was drafted into the Army in 1950, he participated in their All-Star Basketball Game and earned the Southeast Oklahoma Golden Gloves Heavy Weight Championship in 1952. Ray was proud to be an Eagle Boy Scout and grew from the opportunities from that experience
Raymond worked with U.S. Plywood/ Champion Papers from December 1952 to April 1979. He joined Louisiana Pacific Manufacturing from May of 1979 to October of 1982. He returned to his roots at Algoma Hardwoods October of 1982 to July 1991, when he retired. Ray took great pride in his relationship with those whom he worked. Whether they worked in the plant or in an office, Ray took the time to share a kind word with others.
Ray was an active member in his community as member of Algoma Chamber of Commerce from 1954-1966 and on the board of directors at Northbrook Country Club for 15 years. In his retirement was a member of the Door County Fur, Fish, and Game Commission, Holy Name Society at Prince of Peace Church, and the Green Bay Baylanders Chorus for 21 years. Ray and Artie enjoyed many years together volunteering at Bellin Hospital. They loved working in the garden together, canning, freezing and sharing “fruits “of their garden. In his spare time, Ray could be found training his hunting dogs or was on the golf course.
Above all else, Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and friend. His kind manner and giving nature was felt everywhere he went. Ray will be sadly missed by his loving wife Artie; seven children, Raymond Perry III of Green Bay, Sara (Tim) Behrendt of Waukesha, WI, Bill (Tracey) Birdsall of Naples, FL, Peter (Ann) Birdsall of Green Bay, Mary (Jeff) Dodd, of Waukesha, Barbara (Lee) Rowan of Green Bay and Tim Birdsall of Minneapolis, MN. His grandchildren, Susie Rach, Steve Behrendt, Ashley Garner, Phillip Birdsall, Jacob Birdsall, Allison Orton, Matthew Dodd, Julianna Dodd, Melissa Birdsall, Duran Sloan, Seth (Jamie) Sloan, Samantha (Josh) Jacak, and Kaitlyn Rowan will miss their grandpa’s humor and gentle guidance. Great grandchildren include, Delaney, Timothy, Aiden, Hadley, Asa, Josie, Dane, and Landon. Ray is further survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, John Birdsall; sisters, Edith Slayton and Joyce Smith.
Ray will be missed by many golfing, hunting, and singing friends.
Friends may call at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Rd., on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:20 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:30 p.m. Full military honors will follow. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Algoma. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.