Obituary: Raymond Henry Disch - Class of 1951

MADISON - Raymond Henry Disch, age 74, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2007, at his home. He was born on Feb. 28, 1933, in Madison, to Henry and Ingeborg (Fladen) Disch. Raymond graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951. He lettered in five sports and was All City in basketball and volleyball. Raymond was a quarterback on the football team, second baseman on the baseball team and was also on the track team. He worked at Oscar Mayer part time, while attending high school and then full time later. Raymond married Dolores Trotalli. She preceded him in death in 1968. He married Jacqueline (Hickman) Recob on Feb. 8, 1972. Raymond became a firefighter on Aug. 1, 1958, and worked for the Madison Fire Department for 35 years, retiring on Feb. 1, 1993, as an assistant chief. He worked at Fire Stations No. 1, 2, 3, and 4, and also the administrative building during his career. Raymond served as a lieutenant, fire inspector, fire training officer, captain, district manager, and deputy chief, before retiring as an assistant chief. He was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church, Madison Turners and a former member of Madison Elks. Raymond volunteered at St. Dennis Festival and was on the church athletic committee. He managed St. Dennis Grade School basketball, football, softball and CYO high school basketball. Raymond played in various city leagues in softball, baseball, volleyball and touch football. He managed the WTSO fast pitch softball team. Raymond was a UW men's basketball ticket holder for 35 years and a die hard Cubs fan for 60 years. He also enjoyed his annual fishing trips to the Chippewa flowage with his fishing buddies. Raymond was involved with the Senior Olympics after retirement, and played volleyball and ping pong with them. He also volunteered with St. Pauls Pantry on State St. Raymond is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Disch of Madison; nine children, Pamela (Gary) Herdrich, Mark (Michelle) Disch, Robert (Julie) Disch, Robert (Tracy) Recob, Susan Disch, Scott (Amy) Recob, Lisa (Scott) Johnson, Jennifer (Brian) Wiegand and Debra (Kenneth) Wills; 21 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2007, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2007. The family would like to thank HospiceCare, especially Maria, Cindy, Neal and Lisa, for all their care and support. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 13, 2007